Rochester will celebrate nearly 20 years of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pride with its annual Pride Weekend, running through Sunday, July 20. The festivities officially kicked off last weekend with the raising of the rainbow pride flag at City Hall, and will continue with stage shows, musical performances, movie screenings, a picnic, and the second-largest pride parade and festival in New York state (Manhattan takes first place).
This year's festival - which has the theme "Happily Ever After" - comes at a time of pivotal change for the LGBT community, says Scott Fearing, program director for the Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley. He said not only are the ideas of gay marriage and equality in the workplace being explored, but so is the idea of gender identity, which is a huge step for the LGBT community.
Fearing also said the LGBT community in Rochester is a robust and vibrant one and has great support. That ties into what this year's festival is focused on: unity and collaboration. Check out the events you can show your support at this year:
Wednesday, July 16
"Bathhouse: The Musical" Downstairs Cabaret Theatre 2, 172 W Main St. 6 p.m. Special fund-raiser performance for Streets of Pride. Tickets cost $50, and include two cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a dessert bar. 325-4370, downstairscabaret.com.
Thursday, July 17
Pride Movie Night: "For the Bible Tells Me So" Third Presbyterian Church, 4 Meigs St. 7 p.m. Free. 461-9605, kpleger@rochester.rr.com.
PrideSocial Rochester Museum and Science Center, 657 East Ave. 5:30 p.m. 230-9235.
Sweat for Pride Raises funds for the GAGV. Muther's Club, 40 S Union St. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $5. 325-6216, clubmuthers.com.
Friday, July 18
Evolutionary Girls Art Exhibit Equal=Grounds Coffee Shop, 750 South Ave. Art exhibit featuring photos, printed works, oil on canvas, and spoken works that runs through August 3. 242-7840, prideconnection.net.
Pride Kick-Off Party Grand Ballroom at the Regency Hyatt, 125 E Main St. 7:30-11 p.m. Free event includes a cash bar and hors d'oeuvres. 546-1234, rochester.hyatt.com.
Rainbow Theatre Festival Double Feature: "The Crochet Penis"/"My Gay Family" New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 Rosedale St. 8 p.m. $5-10. 271-5523, breadandwatertheatre.com.
Saturday, July 19
Bar NightBachelor Forum, 670 University Ave. 2 p.m.-2a.m. Gay pride night featuring the Rochester Rams. 271-6930, bachelor4m.com.
Streets of Pride Parade Parade route: Starts at corner of Park Ave and Argyle St to N Goodman St, up University Ave to Prince St, and right to E Main St. 5-7 p.m. 244-8640, gayalliance.org.
Pride Festival Main St. Armory, 900 E Main St. Food, vendors and live entertainment hosted by Aggy Dune. Suggested donation of $5 at the door. Guests must be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 7 p.m.244-8640, gayalliance.org.
Rainbow Theatre Festival Double Feature: "The Crochet Penis" and "My Gay Family" New Life Presbyterian Church, 243 Rosedale St. 8 p.m. $5-$10. 271-5523, breadandwatertheatre.com.
Sunday, July 20
PridePicnic Genesee Valley Park, 131 Elmwood Ave. Food, drinks, arts & crafts, dog show, antique cars, dance contests. 1-7 p.m. $10-$15/adults, $7/students & seniors, free/children under 12. 244-8640, gayalliance.org.