A Bit About Rochester
Rochester, New York has long been a place of industry, innovation and social change. Historic figures, such as Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony and George Eastman have all called the city home. With one of the highest per capita LGBTQ-identifying populations in the country, Rochester has also been home to thriving LGBTQ+ activism, arts and culture, nightlife, and social scenes for many decades. More recently, it’s also seen a fast-growing LGBTQ-owned small business community, ranging from boutique shops to restaurants and more. The city houses numerous LGBTQ+ organizations, including Black-led and/or Trans-led entities.
Deciding Where to Live
Though LGBTQ+ folx, work and socialize throughout the city’s many neighborhoods, as well as in the surrounding suburbs, two neighborhoods” stand out in particular as LGBTQ strongholds: the Neighborhood of the Arts (NOTA) and the South Wedge. NOTA is home to LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations, such as ImageOut, Rainbow Seniors ROC, Bachelor Forum, Edibles, and more. South Wedge is home to Hedonist Artisan Chocolates & Ice Cream, Equal Grounds Community Cafe, and CRISP Rochester, among others. The suburb of Brighton, NY also stands out as particularly LGBTQ-affirming and welcoming.
Connecting with LGBTQ+ Resources
Our Business & Resource Directories are a wealth of information and resources for Rochester area residents new and old. We encourage you to use the tabs above to navigate the full directories, but below are some critically important highlights for those new to the region, looking to set up essential care and meet immediate needs.
Finding & Building Community
It can often times be difficult to find and build community after relocating, especially for LGBTQ+ folx. Use the helpful links below and the resource tab above to seek out and connect with specific LGBTQ+ organizations, based upon your interests, hobbies, and needs.
Celebrating Our Pride
While National Pride Month is annually commemorated in the month of June, Rochester Pride is actually held in July. The Rochester Pride Parade & Festival are typically held on the third Saturday in July. Though you’ll actually find Pride events held all across Monroe County during both months, including the Pride Picnic, Pride Day at Seabreeze, Pride Day at the Zoo, Pittsford Pride, Henrietta Pride, Brighton Pride, and more. Additionally, many organizations like Rochester LGBTQ+ Together celebrate Pride with year-round programs and events. Other long-standing community events of note are ImageOut: The Rochester LGBTQ+ Film Festival (April & October) and the Miss Gay Rochester Pageant (November).
