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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Thanks to your support, we raised $312.06 from this campaign to support Rochester's LGBTQ+ library and community center!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Merch drop! Now's your chance for some swag that shows your pride in LAKE ONTARIO while supporting Rochester LGBTQ+ library and community center!

Happy Friday Rochester Rainbow Union friends and family!

Time for a merch drop! Show up in style while supporting your local LGBTQ+ library and community center with our rainbow Lake Ontario swag! We have tee’s, tanks, hoodies, and sweatshirts in a range of inclusive sizes! Prices range from $24.99 for a classic unisex tee to $41.99 for a softstyle hoodie. Take advantage of this limited-time design to show your pride in the LGBTQ+ history of the shores of Lake Ontario! Profits will support our important mission supporting Rochester’s LGBTQ+ community!

As a heads up, we’ll be closed next Sunday for Labor Day weekend. Spotted Rabbit will still have their monthly art club though!

This Saturday we’re grateful to have a group of Brockport students volunteering their time for a deep-clean of our community center. Because of the cleaning, The Repair Shop will meet at Rainbow Seniors Roc.

Yours in Pride,

Andrew Moran
President
AndrewM@gayalliance.org

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Second, we have an opportunity for free admission tickets to the NYS Fair’s Pride Day on August 28th. Check out the LGBTQ+ booth, browse their research fair, enjoy ice cream & story time, attend a rally, see Melissa Etheridge and more! If you’re interested in a ticket please let us know!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Happy Friday Rochester Rainbow Union friends and family! Just a couple of quick updates for this week! First, our next LGBTQ+ Community Council is coming up on Tuesday, September 15th. We’re still working on a location but will keep you posted. Register at the QR code or bitly link in the flyer.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

Happy Friday Rochester Rainbow Union friends and family! As we close out Pride month, I want to thank you all for supporting Rochester’s only public LGBTQ+ library and community center! Volunteers, sponsors, donors, collaborators, partners, attendees; you all make so much possible...

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Happy Friday Rochester Rainbow friends and family! As we close out Rochester’s Pride festivities, I want to reflect on this last week

supported us: Bar Bad Ending, CRISP, Jack’s Extra Fancy, Tavos, Angelinas, The Red Fern, Equal Grounds Community Café, Flora, and Veneto (and to ImageOUt for partnering for a dinner and movie)!

Finally, for the cinephiles, next Friday July 31st we have a special screening of Morocco, starring Marlene Dietrich, at the Rainbow Union at 8 pm. Morocco was filmed before the Hays Code and thus was able to portray Marlene Dietrich in a tuxedo in a scene and kisses another woman, a film exploration of the porous borders of gender, something that would be barred from films just a few years later. Dietrich herself was bisexual, frequenting gay bars and drag balls in Weimar Republic era Berlin. Stop by and enjoy a piece of cinematic history with us!

Yours in Pride,

Andrew Moran
President
AndrewM@gayalliance.org

The word Pride in a rainbow script with white words underneath saying all year, against a background in the colors of the progress pride flag.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

To every business that participated in Eat Out Rochester Restaurant Week—thank you. You've made a public commitment to creating a welcoming, affirming space for LGBTQ+ community members. We're grateful for your partnership! You still have 2 days to purchase an official EOR shirt!

Eat Out Rochester in rainbow text. July 12th through July 18th 2026. Exclusive event. T-shirts available for purchase! Scan the qr code below to see the colors and sizes available. A portion of proceeds will go directly to the Rainbow Union. Two shirts against a pink background with a smiley face and a rainbow tongue.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Happy Roc Pride Eve Rochester Rainbow Friends and family! I’ll keep it brief since we’re busy finalizing preparations for this weekend. First, keep an eye out for us in the parade with our new official RRU banner...

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Our very own Lilac Librarian Gerry Szymanski will give a talk on the history of the Empty Closet, next Tuesday, July 21st, from 6:30-8 pm at the Irondequoit Public Library! Register at the link in the comments.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Who's ready for a dinner and a movie in support of two great organizations? Stop by Veneto tonight between 4:30 and 6:30 and enjoy their pre fixe menu, then head to The Little Theatre for a FREE screening of Lesbian Space Princesses with ImageOut !

Eat Out Rochester in rainbow font. July 15th. Dine with Pride. DIne from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm. at Veneto. Then head to the little and watch lesbian space princesses from 7pm-9 pm free admission

Eat Out Rochester in rainbow font. Dinner and a movie night. July 15th 2026. Veneto pizza and pasta. est. 2001. First course: Small Caesar or house salad. Second Course. Gnocchi marinara, vodka ravioli, chicken parm, chicken french. Third course: Cannoli. Pre fixe menu for $35.00. After Dinner head to the Little for this free movie screening from 7-9 pm. Lesbian Space Princesses

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Join us for a free screening of Morocco, starring Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper, on Friday, July 31st at 8 pm! Popcorn and refreshments provided!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Don't miss your chance to own your very own Eat Out Rochester shirt! A portion of proceeds will go directly to the Rainbow Union! Use the QR code or the link in the comments.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Stop by Flora Rochester this Thursday-Sunday for a special EAT OUT Rochester shot! $1 from every Vixen cocktail will be donated to the Rochester Rainbow Union!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

We love partnering with Jack's Extra Fancy! A portion of proceeds during EOR week will be donated to the Rainbow Union! P.S. Veneto has put together their menu for dinner/movie night on July 15th! Dine at Veneto from 4:30-6:30 then head to The Little for a screening of Lesbian Space Princesses!

EAT Out Rochester in rainbow text. July 12th through July 18th. Dine with Pride!
Jack's Extra Fancy. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the Rochester Rainbow Union during Eat Out Rochester Week. Pink Background with multicolored stars

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Rainbow Union updates! Eat Out Rochester swag and info, Pride parade sign-up, after parties, and succession planning!!

Happy start of Rochester Pride week Rainbow Union friends and family! We hope to see you at the Pride Picnic (where we’ll have copies of The Empty Closet while supplies last).

Eat Out Rochester week is almost here, and we now have merch! Get your very own, tongue-in-cheek t-shirt, hoodie, or crewneck sweatshirt in a variety of colors. We have an inclusive range of colors and sizes available, and your fashion choice will support our work & mission. Follow the link in the QR code in the image or the link in the comments to buy yours today!

Don’t forget to check out the full list of participating businesses at the QR code in the flyer (or link in comments) and follow our social media page for updates on featured specials. When else can you enjoy delicious food & drink specials while helping a grassroots Queer library and community center?

We’re still looking for people to march with us at the Pride Parade! We did have an incorrect QR code to sign

up on our flyer a few weeks ago; we’ve corrected it (you can also email jimmy@gayalliance.org). We’ll be at the Rainbow Union this Sunday from 2-4 pm for a pride parade prep tie-dye extravaganza! Please note that a previous image incorrectly listed 7.11, we will be crafting on the 12th.

Speaking of Pride, don’t forget to stop by Jack’s Extra Fancy on 7/18 after the Pride Festival for our annual post-Pride party! Enjoy a specialty drink or one of their delicious dishes and buy a raffle ticket (or 10)! We’ll have a special performance by Rock-It Billy Mayde at 7 pm!

Finally, some updates on my succession planning. Moe, Mar, and I recently met over drinks and are developing an approximately one year plan, with the current VP role preparing for President and opening up VP. Stephen DeVay has also ended his term on the board; we thank him for all his efforts over the past 4 years! He’s lent us incredible support through our re-opening!

Yours in Pride,

Andrew Moran
President
AndrewM@gayalliance.org

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Update: The prior image incorrectly listed the date as the 11th. We've updated the image to correctly show the 12th, which is Sunday. We apologize for the confusion. This Sunday we'll have a pop-up tie-dye extravaganza at the Rainbow Union from 2-4 pm! Lets jazz up our shirts for the Pride Parade!

Pop-up tie dye event for RRU Pride Marchers. 7.12.26 (wuth a red underline), 2-4 pm @ Lilac Library. An image of a tie dye shirt against a colorful background.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Raise a cup to community next week at Equal Grounds Community Cafe with a Pride Pop Refresher! We're excited for their support during EAT OUT Rochester week!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Apologies, a prior version of the flyer to sign up to march with us had an incorrect QR code. Here's the correct QR code to march with us! We hope to see you there!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

CRISP Rochester is an amazing Queer-owned restaurant and another partner for EAT OUT ROCHESTER next week! Stop by and enjoy a cocktail, dinner, or brunch and support the Rainbow Union!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

We're excited to partner with Angelinas for a special Queer menu during Eat Out Rochester next week! Angelinas will be open M/W/Th 5-9 pm & F/Sat 5-10 pm!

Angelinas in a cursive script in white against a black background and a white upper case A. Multicolored star and pink background. Images of cocktails, sandwiches, corndogs, and cake. Menu that says: Drinks: Super gay cosmo, Fire Island 75. Dinner: LGBT Sando, corn dogs. Dessert: Funfetti cake

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Apologies for the confusion! The updated day and time for our Pride Story Time is July 25th at 10 am. Join us for story time with a local librarian, snacks, and crafts for families!

The words Pride! Storytime in Rainbow text. Stories, songs, and snacks. All ages welcome! July 25th at 10. Lilac Library - 50 Prince St, Rochester, NY, 14607. The words free against a cartoon star. Pink background with white stars. Multicolored caterpillar with glasses reading a book

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Apologies, we need to change the date of our Pride Story Hour! We will update you soon!

The words "Pride! Story Time" in rainbow font. Stories, songs, and snacks. All ages welcome! "Rescheduled" in large print. Lilac Library - 50 Prince St, Rochester, NY. The word free in a star. A cartoon of a caterpillar at the bottom

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Reposted by Rochester Rainbow Union

Rochester NOW @rocny-now.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

ROC NOW is happy to announce that Shay Irynic will be joining us for our Love Your Body Day event as a vendor at Artisan Works on 10/18. They will also be submitting a poster into the 2026 National NOW Love Your Body Day poster contest. Instagram: @irynic_art

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Announcing another partner for Eat Out Rochester (7.12-7.18)! Bar Bad Ending will donate a portion of proceeds to the Rainbow Union that week!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Parent Academy is run a member of the community for our community. Learn empowering, practical, evidence-based skills & strategies to keep your children safe and strengthen family bonds. Parent Academy offers a safe space for processing and dialogue, skill sharing, and building networks of support.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Announcing our first two specials for Eat Out Rochester Week 7/12 through 7/18! During that week, a portion of proceeds from select menu items at participating businesses will support our work and mission!

The Red Fern. $1 from every Rainbow Veggie Tofu Banh Mi will be donated to the Rochester Rainbow Union during Eat Out Rochester Week! Picture of a banh mi against a multicolored background

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Less than 2 weeks until our Eat Out Rochester fundraiser! Participating businesses so far include Bar Bad Ending, CRISP Rochester, Jack's Extra Fancy, Tavos, Angelinas, Red Fern, Equal Grounds, and Flora!

A promotional flyer from Rochester Rainbow Union with the headline "Dine With Pride At… Eat Out Rochester" in large rainbow-colored letters. The event runs Sunday, July 12th through Saturday, July 18th. Body text reads: "Join Rochester Rainbow Union's inaugural Eat Out Rochester Restaurant Week and celebrate the restaurants that proudly support our LGBTQ+ community!" A purple badge notes that a portion of proceeds from select menu items will go directly to RRU. A QR code in the lower right links to the organization's website for participating restaurant listings. The bottom half of the flyer features an overhead photo of a crowded dinner table with multiple plates of food and people dining together.

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Reposted by Rochester Rainbow Union

Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Want to get a FREE Rainbow Union t-shirt and march with some great people! Sign up to march with us at the Pride Parade via the QR Code or emailing JimmyP@gayalliance.org !🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Our apologies, but due to the heat wave and a broken a/c unit, we will be closed tonight for the safety of our volunteers.

Our apologies, but we will be closed tonight due to the heat. Picture of a thermometer and the sun against an orange background.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

To make The EC everything we hope it can be, we NEED the Roc community to be involved! We will need people to contribute photography, art, and writing, as well as their time, energy, and knowledge. If you’re interested in contributing or joining our editing team come to one of our info sessions!

Empty Closet Relaunch Info Sessions. The words Help us poor slobs who slave each month. Wednesday July 1st. 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Sunday, July 5th, 12 pm to 1:30 pm. At Rathaus Press. 50 Chestnut Street (enter through Chestnut Street Door).
To make The Empty Closet everything we hope it can be, we NEED the Rochester community to be involved! We will need people to contribute photography, art, and writing, as well as their time, energy, and knowledge. If you’re interested in contributing or joining our editing team come to one of our info sessions to ask questions and learn more!
Got questions? Send them to: emptycloset.roc@gmail.com
Background is a crumpled piece of paper with a drawing of someone looking through their hands.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

The Empty Closet at its first official distribution point, Flora Bar!

Stack of the Empty Closet Magazine in a community resource shelf.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Happy Friday Rochester Rainbow Union! I’m excited to see so many of you at the Empty Closet Relaunch on Sunday!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Sharing my remarks from the 15 Year Celebration of marriage equality in NYS, organized by Harry Bronson. Thank you to all the advocates who got us to that point!

A screenshot of a Democrat and Chronicle article with the caption "15 years after New York legalized same-sex marriage, Rochester leaders and activists gathered to celebrate the law's impact. See link below." Group of people with Harry Bronson in front of the Rainbow Seniors Roc center.

I came to Rochester in 2007 from California, under the looming shadow of Prop8. It’s Rochester’s commitment to activism that has kept me here.

There are two major political events where I can remember exactly where I was: the passage of the Marriage Equality Act in New York, and the supreme court affirming marriage equality nationwide.

I remember sitting in Equal Grounds (a community hub we had thanks to Harry Bronson) in my Senior Year of College, with friends as we anxiously awaited news about the Marriage Equality Act. We broke out in cheers when it passed, due to no small effort of people like Anne Tischer (Anne would always show up at the University of Rochester to petition for marriage equality, never taking no for an answer), Bess Watts, and Harry Bronson. I remember calling my parents, only able to say “We did it” through my celebratory tears. We felt seen and accepted! It was an affirmation of equality.

Since those days, we’ve made great strides in protecting the rights of LGBTQ citizens in the U.S., however, we must remain vigilant. Our rights are continuously under attack, by demagogues wielding their power to hurt our community in a bid to advance their careers. Despite that, I have hope because of the people I see in this room, our long time activists, and our new generations of community leaders.

Our Trans, BIPOC, and Disabled siblings are currently bearing the brunt of our attacks. Our fight for justice didn’t stop at marriage equality. We must protect everyone in our community. Trans people deserve to live without fear that they will be added to the next list of Trans Day of remembrance names. Our LGBTQ+ BIPOC community needs us to center their needs. And remember, true marriage equality will only be achieved when our Disabled LGBTQ+ family members can marry without losing benefits. As Fanny Lou Hammer said, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free!”

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Just over 2 weeks before The Empty Closet (re)Launch Party! June 28th from 2-4 pm at the Rochester Rainbow Union (50 Prince St). Pick up your copy of the first new Empty Closet since June '22 then join us at Flora for the After Party!

A square event flyer with a vintage zine aesthetic, printed in black and burnt orange on a textured cream/off-white background. At the top, the masthead reads "the empty closet" in a distressed hand-lettered font. Below it, large bold text announces "(Re) Launch Party" with mixed typefaces evoking a cut-and-paste punk style. Event details read "June 28th, 2pm–4pm." The center illustration depicts a rustic axe in orange and brown tones, its blade embedded in a rolled newspaper labeled "The Empty Closet." Beside the illustration, a caption reads "Your Key to Gay Consciousness" — a reference to the publication's historic tagline. A dashed line divides the lower section, which displays the venue address: "50 Prince Street" in bold block lettering.

Promotional flyer for the Empty Closet Relaunch After-Party, hosted by Rochester Rainbow Union. Sunday, June 28th, 2026, 4pm–Late at Flora, 190 Monroe Ave. Text is styled in bold red lettering on a lined notepad graphic, layered over a collage of vintage newspaper clippings. A strip of red glittery tape runs across the top of the notepad.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Please help promote Next Generation Men of Transition's Trans Community Needs Assessment! This effort will help identify service gaps, strengthen advocacy efforts, support future funding opportunities, and inform community programming.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Today we remember 49 lost and 58 wounded victims of Pulse. Today we still face forces that attempt to erase us from history, yet we persevere. Our community is built on resisting those who wish to destroy us. That resistance and resilience is our strength.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Our board member Mar was honored to join the Center for Disability Rights to help unveil their "Summer of Pride" banners! See the news story in the comments!

Speakers in front of a banner with the words "Stronger together" featuring people with walkers, canes, braces, and crutches dancing together.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Weekly update: Webster's Pride flag, Eat Out Rochester, Mental Health in Color, and Pride Parade!

A picture of the Pride flag with the words “These colors don’t run”

March with the Rainbow Union at the Pride Parade. Now more than ever, we need to show the world we are here, Queer, proud, and not going away! Free t-shirt provided. Bit.ly/RRUmarch . Picture of people holding the Rochester Rainbow Union parade banner

Spotted Rabbit Studio x Rochester Rainbow Union & Rochester Sexual Wellness present a very special Queer Art Club gathering in honor of Pride Month · free to attend!
mental health day in color
june 7 | 2–4 pm | Rochester Rainbow Union
June's Queer Art Club theme: Mental Health Day A relaxed tie-dye gathering where you can create, connect, and just be yourself. We'll have free tote bags available to tie-dye, or bring your own item to transform! All dye materials provided. Free to attend and no registration required.
Relationship & Gender-Affirming Support Patrick DiFlorio, LCSW & Erin Davis, MHC Intern from Rochester Sexual Wellness will also join us to share information about:
• Sex therapy & relationship therapy
• Gender-affirming letters
• LGBTQIAP+ group
• Mental health resources & support
Fresh Out of the Closet with Rochester Rainbow Union
• FREE clothing closet T-shirts
• Rochester Rainbow Union shirts available for purchase
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Logos: Spotted Rabbit Studio | Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness | Rochester Rainbow Union

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Feeling burnt out? Need to be in community? Stop in for a mental health day with Spotted Rabbit Studio, Rochester Rainbow Union, and Rochester Center for Sexual Wellness this Sunday from 2-4 pm! Engage in a relaxed tie-dye gathering where you can create, connect, and just be yourself!

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

As a beneficiary organization for the Elton John Impact Awards, the visibility and funds from this program allows the Rochester Rainbow Union to drive real change in the communities we serve! Listen in to the podcast today! www.iheart.com/podcast/1119...

Elton John Impact Awards. Monday 6.1 Listen on the Iheartradio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Featuring 6 world renowned honorees: Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck, Chappel Roan. Hosted by Billy Porter and Elvis Duran. A special performance by Dove Cameron.

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Rochester Rainbow Union @rocrainbowunion.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

It's official, the first new issue of The Empty Closet since 2020 is launching June 28th! Stop by between 2-4 pm to pick up your copy and hear speakers talking about its history! After party to follow (details to be announced). Stick around for our Rainbow Union/Lilac Library Open House as well 😁

Empty Closet Launch Party. After Party to Follow. Sun, June 28, 2-4 pm. 50 Prince St. Two Empty Closet issues titles, "Pride Agenda's 2007 priorities include marriage, GENDA" and "ROC PRide 2017 Summer of Love"

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