Program areas at Out Alliance
SAGE - As the Rochester affiliate of the national SAGE program, we provide social and education programs to enhance the lives of LGBTQ people over the age of 50 years old. Activities include weekly lunches, potluck dinners, yoga, Euchre games, films and other social activities. Rainbow SAGE has also expanded its programing to incorporate support for LGBTQ veterans.
The Empty Closet: For over 40 years it has been the publication for the Rochester area LGBTQ community. The publication provides local, state, national and international news, entertainment features, op/ed pieces, interviews, columnists and community information in an effort to help build a stronger LGBTQ and allied community. Eleven issues are published each year, February to December - January. The Empty Closet also has a news blog site, and each issue, in full color, is available for viewing on-line. The Empty Closet also maintains a Facebook page, and selected news stories are available on Twitter. Advertising sales amounted to $13,757.Continued on Schedule OCopies are mailed to all donors of the Gay Alliance and a distribution service delivers the publication to dozens of locations throughout western New York, where it is available for free. Between 5,000 and 6,000 copies are printed each month, as well as special Pride supplements in June and July.
Community Education - The educational efforts of the Gay Alliance are known as the LGBTQ Academy. The Gay Alliance strives to make Rochester a Safe Zone for all LGBTQ and allied individuals. For forty years we have provided education and training that is proven to be effective, relevant and age appropriate in any setting and tailored to the needs of any group. Our programs focus on youth, community safety, LGBTQ history, aging, creating a safe campus, and becoming a straight ally. The Education Program also provides LGBTQ community outreach, which includes GARD, an on-line directory of over 1500 resources, on-line community calendars.
Youth Services - Objective: To provide leadership development, social activities and crisis intervention to LGBTQ identified youth ages 13-20. The program also provides consultation, intervention and education to youth serving providers to ensure LGBTQ inclusion. Services include support groups, health chats, evening, after school and weekend activities, and tutoring to support educational goals. Annual events include the Youth Pride celebration, and the Big Queer Prom. Library and History - The Library and Archives has a collection nearly 10,000 items. Shoulders to Stand On is a documentary project that captures the stories, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ pioneers.Gallery Q - Gallery Q provides the Gay Alliance the ability to highlight LGBTQ art and artists. The exhibits change monthly for an opening as part of the First Friday Program, a partnership between several nearby art galleries. Other program services are primarily supported by contributions.