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Highland Park Conservancy

The Highland Park Conservancy is a beautiful park located in the heart of Rochester and is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors during all four unique seasons. Their mouth-watering shop is located in the South Wedge neighborhood, and their chocolates are available for shipping.

  • Crisp Rochester is an American food restaurant serving seasonally inspired, modern comfort food with a southern influence.

    However, a few LGBTQ+-owned establishments and traditional gay bars can’t be missed. 

    • The Bachelor Forum is central to Rochester's Neighborhood of the Arts, home to ART Walk on University cafes, galleries, museums, and fantastic restaurants.
    • Roar Rochester hosts Drag shows, live bands and more.

      Attracting talent from across the country and the world, there’s a performance here to fit everyone’s tastes and preferences.

      Blackfriars Theatre

      Blackfriars Theatre is a mid-sized professional theatre group in Rochester, well-known for its talent and ability to entertain audiences with exceptional theatrical arts using local talent.

      Contact a Rochester gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!

  • They host a variety of events, workshops, and support groups throughout the year, catering to different segments of the lgbtq+Q+ community.
  • Rochester Gay Men's Chorus: This group is known for its musical performances that promote acceptance and understanding.

    His passions include activism, community organizing, and politics.

    Braden founded and currently serves as Director of Rochester LGBTQ+ Together.

    rochester gay

    Check out our family-friendly itineraries for more inspiration on family-friendly activities including:

    The Strong National Museum of Play | Rochester Museum & Science Center | Seneca Park Zoo | Seabreeze Amusement Park | Genesee Country Village & Museum | George Eastman Museum | Memorial Art Gallery | Ganondagan State Historic Site

     

  • Rochester, NY Gay City Guide

    Rochester lies in the heart of Western New York, situated on the shore of beautiful Lake Ontario.

    Rochester is a great place to live if you like colder weather, particularly snow. They have a spacious outdoor patio, making it a favorite spot during the warmer months. Braden is also the Administrator of Rochester LGBTQ+ Mutual Aid and Pride Events ROC and an Advisory Board Member for Shoulders To Stand On.

    Additionally, he’s the Community Guest Programmer of Memorial Art Gallery’s Pride Celebration Day and Community Partner liaison for Rochester Red Wings Pride Night and Brighton Pride. There are many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in that neighborhood, as well as several charming homes. Even though the gay community is spread across the city, the Park Avenue corridor is the center of the city’s gay neighborhood.

    If you love music and having fun with friends, it's an event you'll definitely want to put on your calendar.

    Where to Live in Rochester

    Unlike some cities that have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Rochester is spread across the entire city – which simply means there are many wonderful neighborhoods to live in!

    The first statue in the country honoring an African-American still stands in Highland Park. 

    From locally-owned coffee shops and restaurants, to nightlife, art, culture, shopping and more, explore all that Rochester’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community has to offer. 

    Festivals & Events 

    • Rochester Pride: Held annually in July, signature Pride events including the Pride Parade, Pride Festival and the Pride Picnic.

      Numerous other events occur in conjunction with Rochester Pride which is a celebration that attracts about 10,000 people, making it New York State's second-largest Pride celebration. 

    • Rochester Black Pride: A week-long cultural & arts festival that works to celebrate, empower, & inspire the Black Queer/LGBT+ community.
    • ImageOut: The Rochester LGBTQ Film Festival: This 10-day Festival screens sought-after new material from around the world, including foreign films, short programs, documentaries and classics. (October)
    • Rochester Lilac Festival: Features more than 500 varieties of Lilacs with art, music and food. (May)
    • Rochester International Jazz Festival:All genres of creative improvised music from all corners of the world come together with over 1,500 musicians and more than 300 concerts. (June)
    • Corn Hill Arts Festival: Features hundreds of artists and continuous live music. (July)
    • Clothesline Festival: The Memorial Art Gallery's annual event that offers works from local and area artists. (September)
    • Rochester Fringe Festival: Expect the unexpected during this unique multi-arts festival that both showcases and stimulates creativity.

      Truly, Rochester has it all!

      Rochester - A Few Fun Facts

      • Rochester was the long-time home of celebrated civil rights champion Frederick Douglas, who lived there for 25 years.

        Our Volunteers

        Braden Reese (he/him)

        Founder, Director & Programming Coordinator

        Braden was born in Syracuse and grew up in Oneida, NY, though he’s been a proud Rochester area transplant since 2014 and considers the Flower City his “chosen home.” Braden graduated from SUNY College at Oswego with a B.A.

        in Political Science. Establishments like The Bachelor Forum and Tilt Nightclub & Ultralounge are popular spots where both locals and visitors gather to enjoy a lively atmosphere.

        In addition to nightlife, Rochester has various lgbtq+ organizations and support groups that work towards advocacy, community engagement, and providing resources for those in need.

        Summers are generally mild and pleasant as well, with temperatures in July reaching an average of 82°F.

        The Best Events in Rochester

        Rochester Pride

        Rochester Pride is the city’s largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event you won’t want to miss.  Sponsored by local LGBTQ community group Out Alliance, the weekly festivities include parades, parties, networking events, and more, and the week is a great way to make new friends, support important causes, and celebrate all that the LGBTQ community adds to the greater Rochester area.

        Rochester Jazz Festival

        The Rochester International Jazz Festival has quickly become one of the nation's most popular and well-respected music festivals.

        They also feature a Pride collection including a Pride box of chocolates, rainbow hearts and rainbow Pride bark.

      • OFC Creations Theatre Center is a professional regional performing arts center that produces high-quality, entertaining musical productions.

      Family-Friendly 

      For LGBTQ+ families, Greater Rochester is a dream trip.

      Rochester Pride Hockey is the city's LGBTQ hockey league and is welcoming and opening to all, whether you'd like to be a participant or spectator. The Out Alliance, for instance, is a significant organization that offers a range of services, from youth programs to senior support.

      Stay updated with gay events in Rochester, NY |

       


      Popular gay events in Rochester, NY:

      1. Rochester Pride: This is the city's annual Pride celebration, which attracts thousands of attendees.

        PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways.