Throughout its history, Rochester, New York has been a powerful voice for dignity and civil rights. Even before the days of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, the region was built on the quest of people seeking to better their lives with opportunities to express free thought, innovation, education and worship. Today, we stand on the shoulders of many heroes who made Rochester a city that celebrates diversity and has often set benchmarks for civil liberties throughout the nation. At the forefront, Rochester’s gay community has also been there - making history - championing the cause of equality and freedom for all. But, even as history is made, history remains fragile and can be quickly lost.

The Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley is now undertaking an exciting and important project – Shoulders to Stand On – a documentary chronicling the history of the gay community in the Rochester region and its impact on the nation.

Shoulders to Stand On will capture the stories, struggles and achievements of our gay pioneers, who often made important sacrifices to make Rochester a better place to live. The documentary will highlight many events that put Rochester in the local and national spotlight. And, it will celebrate the spirit of a community that is bound together with a steadfast sense of pride.

Shoulders to Stand On will show the many faces that put the gay liberation movement into motion.

Shoulders to Stand On will safeguard Rochester’s gay history so that it will be available to teach and inspire future generations.

Shoulders to Stand On will show that Rochester is more socially and economically viable because of a strong gay community.

Shoulders to Stand On will use The Empty Closet, New York’s oldest gay newspaper, to provide a historical framework for the documentary. The documentary will also solicit oral histories, newspaper articles, TV news clips, photographs and home movies from the community to document the personal side of our struggles and achievements.

Shoulders to Stand On needs your support. Through financial support, volunteering or by sharing your own stories, Shoulders to Stand On will be produced as a community project, celebrating the history and future of a community which will continue to stand as a pillar of strength and pride for many communities around the world.

Send donations to:
“Shoulders to Stand On”
c/o the GAGV,
875 E. Main St., Suite 500,
Rochester, New York 14605

Evelyn Bailey, Executive Producer