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Don't miss your chance to enjoy a fun night out here for yourself!

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If you're ready to make a move to Rochester, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love.

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. There are many restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues in that neighborhood, as well as several charming homes.

    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.

      Rochester is a great place to live if you like colder weather, particularly snow.

      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. The event celebrates love, acceptance, and diversity and is a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.

    • The Out Alliance: An organization that has been empowering the lgbtq+Q+ community in Rochester since 1973. In this capacity, he manages all operations and programming of the organization. His absolute favorite thing about Rochester is the lilacs!

    • Rochester, NY Gay City Guide

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

    But the number one focus is creating a unique safe space for the LGBTQ+  community.

  • The Avenue Pub is an institution in Rochester, this bar offers a place to chill, visit and mingle with the locals in the heart of Rochester's eclectic Monroe neighborhood.

    • Support LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses

    Add the following LGBTQ+-owned businesses to your trip itinerary, who help make Rochester the vibrant city that it is.

    • Equal=Grounds is the quintessential neighborhood coffeehouse, this spacious cafe is filled with comfy chairs, art, and the whirl of the espresso machine.

      Don’t miss your chance to enjoy a show –or several- for yourself!

      Parks and Recreation

      Rochester Pride Hockey

      It only makes sense that a city well-known for its wintry weather is also known for loving hockey – and of course, that includes the LGBTQ community!

      They host concerts and events regularly, showcasing the talent and diversity of the lgbtq+Q+ community.

    • Tilt Nightclub & Ultralounge: One of the popular gay bars in the city, Tilt is known for its lively atmosphere, themed nights, and events that cater to the lgbtq+Q+ community.

      • A list of popular gay bars and hotspots in Rochester, NY:

      1. Bachelor Forum: Located on University Avenue, the Bachelor Forum is one of Rochester's most iconic gay bars.

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

      2. 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.

    This event features a parade, live performances, workshops, and community outreach programs, making it a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.

    Rochester is home to several gay bars, clubs, and venues that cater specifically to the lgbtq+ community, offering safe spaces for socializing, dancing, and entertainment. It's in the center of another one of Rochester's most popular urban neighborhoods, the South Wedge, home to galleries, shops, and foodie-magnet attractions.

  • Hedonist Artisan Chocolates & Ice Cream make locally-sourced, handcrafted chocolates and ice cream.

    With its cozy, welcoming atmosphere, excellent menu, strong drinks, and friendly atmosphere it’s a wonderful place to spend an evening out on the town.

     The Bachelor Forum

    The Bachelor Forum is a very popular LGBTQ bar in Rochester known for its excellent music, lively dance floor, theme nights, strong drinks, and friendly crowds.

    It is a community center dedicated to giving all members of the Rochester community a space to be themselves, to build community, to obtain the resources they need, and to live their best lives.

    PFLAG Rochester

    PFLAG Rochester is the city's local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country.

    Rochester is often called both the “Flour City” and the “Flower City,” because as it began to grow in the mid-1800s, the town had a thriving mill industry and a profitable seed trade as well. 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.

      The bar is known for its inclusive environment, welcoming everyone regardless of their orientation.

    2. The Avenue Pub: Featured in Yelp's top 100 lgbtq+Q bars in the United States, The Avenue Pub is a testament to Rochester's vibrant gay scene. 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.

      rochester gay

      He previously worked as LGBTQ+ Center Manager and then Program Manager at Out Alliance, after first serving there as a community programming volunteer.

      In his free time, Braden’s hobbies and interests include board and card games, photography, nature walks and hikes, music, and movies. It's a place where locals and visitors gather for drinks, socializing, and themed events.

    • LGBTQ+

    All are welcome in Rochester, NY!

    With a rich history of civil rights, it shouldn't come as a shock that Rochester is among the most welcoming, LGBTQ-friendly metro areas in the U.S., previously ranked 11th in Advocate’s Gayest Cities in America list.