FINDING THEIR SPACE
Reddit lists 11 queer-friendly favorites located in the Rochester community
In Rochester, about 8% of people identify as LGBTQ+, according to the NYS Department of Health. And despite the community being small (in numbers), the love and pride shared continue to make space for queer folks and allies. So we asked the r/Rochester community on Reddit about some of their favorite queer-friendly spaces and here’s what they suggested:
Anyone’s Cafe
The worker-owned cooperative and vegan cafe opened on 113 Gregory St. in South Wedge. Anyone’s began after a group of food industry workers decided to improve their work life, and now, the cafe is a space that sells fresh baked goods and promotes workers’ rights across Rochester.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays. Details: anyonescafe.coop/
ROC Rainbow Union
In 1970, University of Rochester students, Bob Osborn and Larry Fine organized an event featuring speakers from Ithaca’s chapter of the Gay Liberation Front. And despite their fears, this was the first meeting for what became the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley in 1973.
Now, the Rochester Rainbow Union supports an entire community of queer folk and allies through education, outreach, and community collaborations. It is also the home to New York slargest LGBTQIA+ library collection.
Library hours: 2-4 p.m. Sundays. Details: rochesterrainbowunion.com/
Archivist books
Taylor Thomas has always had a love for books since growing up in Baltimore with her grandmother. For years, she noticed the lack of representation of Black, queer folks in books and libraries. In 2020, Thomas began selling books on the side and started The SecondHand Librarian. Now, she operates out of the Luna Cooperative while working on a mobile bookstore.
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays
Shop online at bookshop.org/shop/archivistbooks
Swillbarber
Located in the historic Swillburg neighborhood on the corner of Henrietta Street and Bloomfield Place, Swillbarber is known for one of the best hair cuts in town. Residents in need of a hair cut can look to the beloved barbershop for hot towel treatments, straight razor shaves and traditional cuts by appointment-only. Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday and Friday. Details: swillbarber.setmore.com/services
Luna Cooperative
The founder of the Luna Coop, Jess Bird, has always wanted to provide a safe space for her friends and family. Since starting her career as an artist, she has teamed up with other local artists to provide a collaborative and safe space for all queer creatives. Located at 60 Browns Race, the cooperative is 100% funded by members of the community and hosts different artistic and personal development events each month.
Learn more about their workshops at lunacooperative.com/.
Dorje Adornments
Located on Park Avenue next to The Ritz & Co. House of Beauty, this piercing studio has performed all facial, oral, and body piercings since 2006. All of their jewelry is hand-picked and intended for implants and long-term wear.
Hours: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. TuesdaysFridays; 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sarurdays and Sundays.
Details: dorjeadornments.com/
Hedonist Artisan Ice Cream and Chocolates
For 17 years, founder, Jennifer Posey, has been making fresh handcrafted treats using local ingredients. Located at 674 South Ave., the shop is surrounded by local businesses and has partnerships with businesses like The Coffee Connection, Pittsford Farms Dairy, Finger Lakes Wineries and more.
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Details: hedonistchocolates.com/
The Unreliable Narrator
Located in Village Gate, the independent bookstore was founded by Jenna Kirchner. The flagship store was in another space in Village Gate for five years; now, it can be found in the same building as NOX bar and restaurant before its closing.
Book lovers can also enjoy the patio space and free events.
Hours: Noon-7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays
Shop online: bookshop.org/shop/theunreliablenarrator
Muck Duck Studio Equal Grounds
The longstanding coffee shop has been the home to queerfriendly events since 2006. Located on the corner of South Avenue and Caroline Street, they offer baked goods, selections of coffee/tea and free Wi-Fi if you need a place to work or study.
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. MondaysFridays; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sarurdays and Sundays.
Muck Duck is a nonprofit creative empowerment studio located in North Winton near Artisan Works. At the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the studio was created by fellow creative, Casey Arthur to build community amongst social groups. Now, they offer a variety of monthly workshops and events as a way to empower artists and organizations across Rochester. For artists in need of a space, they also have nine private studio spaces, a podcast studio, lounge and a communal space.
Details: muckduckstudio.org
The Red Fern
Founded by Andrea Parros, the American-style restaurant is 100% plant-based and caters to people with special dietary needs. Located on the corner of Park Avenue and Oxford Street, the restaurant features an in-house bakery, hosts fundraising events and offers outdoor seating during the spring/summer months.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays