I have worked for the Gay Alliance for 3 years as a volunteer and for ten as a staff member. This agency has guided me through my journey as a pretty clueless ally with no ties to the LGBTQ communities to my current role as the Director of the LGBTQ Academy (our education department). This has become my life’s work and I am so proud of this agency. I continue to be amazed at all that we are able to offer with such a tiny staff and a committed bunch of amazing volunteers. I have never worked with such passionate, generous and committed co-workers and volunteers in my life.
The Gay Alliance's LGBTQ+ Academy is extraordinary! Their trainings are interactive, engaging, relevant and inclusive of people at all levels of LGBTQ+ awareness and knowledge. Their trainers create a safe environment to learn, ask questions and grow at your own pace. Whether you're a queer activist or someone confused by our "alphabet soup" of identities, you will learn something and feel valued and respected in the process.
I didn't know much about the Alliance aside from the fact they existed, but once I began volunteering, I discovered the wide variety of programming offered, the outreach they perform to all members of the LGBTQ community, and the influence and impact they have on LGBTQ life in Rochester. Truly amazing!
Rochester is very lucky to have the Gay Alliance. This is the first stop for anyone to learn more about the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. Their training is nationally recognized and very much in demand, whether it is to create a 'Safe Zone' in your school or workplace, or learning how to correctly speak about issues that impact the LGBT community. You can't go wrong with the Gay Alliance training.