Linked by Love Mall Walk

May 22 marked the first "Linked by Love" LGBT visibility Mall Walk. Over 30 participants, same-sex couples, family members, friends and supporters donned messaged t-shirts and strolled through Marketplace Mall in Henrietta to call attention to the fact that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and couples are linked by love to each other, to family, friends and the community at large. The event advocated for support of Marriage Equality for same-sex couples.

The Times of Harvey Milk

As part of the national Harvey Milk week of action May 17 - 22, EqualityROC and the Gay Alliance co-sponsored a showing of the academy award winning documentary "The Times of Harvey Milk" on May 19. A lively discussion concerning visibility and the evolving nature of the LGBT civil rights movement followed.

Unfair Gay Tax Day and Unhappy Hour

April 15 is never a good day for taxpayers but it is particularly obnoxious for same-sex couples who face clear anti-gay discrimination when they file their taxes. Unable to file jointly, same-sex couples who are legally married are forced into a legal lie as they must check "single" on their returns. Gay and lesbian couples pay far more in taxes but are denied significant benefits like Social Security survivors benefits, Medicaid chronic care spousal protections and spousal exemption from inheritance tax. EROC members protested outside the Federal Building and then adjourned for a fun filled "Unhappy Hour" at 140 Alex Bar & Grill.

MENY Town Hall with Ron Zacchi

Ron Zacchi, Executive Director of Marriage Equality New York (MENY), traveled to Rochester to welcome EROC into the MENY statewide network of affiliated grassroots groups. He shared MENY's 2010 strategy to advance marriage equality and highlighted statewide actions like September's Rainbow Wedding March, a MENY signature event that will be happening in multiple cities across the state including Rochester.

The Nearly Wed Game

Four fun local couples - Pat & Lisa, Omar & Peter, Rosemary & Sandra and Dave & Roger competed in our update of the classic TV game show which highlighted an evening devoted to expanding community awareness of the status of marriage equality for same-sex couples.