Shoulders to Stand On Blog

Kevin Indovino

AIDS Remembrance Garden Collection, 1990-2004

Records Inventory

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Rochester, NY

Portfolio 1 – AIDS Remembrance Garden oversized planning drawings and layout; additional oversized ephemera; c. 1992-1999

• Two blank, white heavy cardboard pieces, n.d.
• Three fuschia-colored foam board mounts, listing sponsor names [?], n.d.
• Paper mounted on thin wood: Layout of AIDS Remembrance Garden and plant listing, n.d. [c. 1997?]
• Framed poster: “Announcing the 2nd Annual Benefit Party for the AIDS Remembrance Garden,” Avenue Pub, May 23, 1999
• Blank cardboard rectangle, n.d.
• White foam board sign, “Raffle, $1.00, Win: Korean Lilac Bush,” n.d.
• Printout: “AIDS Remembrance Garden Available Trees 27-Mar-97,” January 1998
• Large foam board with mounted tracing paper, “AIDS Remembrance Garden at Highland Park – Planting Concept, Scale 1” = 20’, January 1993, Prepared by: Environmental Design & Research, P.C.” [sketches, clippings of flowers/trees, annotations], c. 1993
• Large foam board with mounted paper, “AIDS Remembrance Garden at Highland Park – Site Plan Enlargement, Scale ¼” = 1’, September 1992, Prepared by: Environmental Design & Research, P.C.” [overhead drawing, with label “AIDS Remembrance Garden, Located in Highland Park – South: Rochester, NY, On top of the hill at Highland and South Avenues”], c. 1992
• Large foam board with mounted paper, “AIDS Remembrance Garden at Highland Park – Perspective sketch, September 1992, Prepared by: Environmental Design & Research, P.C.” [overhead drawing, with label “AIDS Remembrance Garden, Located in Highland Park – South: Rochester, NY, On top of the hill at Highland and South Avenues”], c. 1992

Box ARG-1: AIDS Remembrance Garden administrative information, legal/tax documents, Book of Life information, correspondence, programs, news clippings, drawings, photographs, and related ephemera; c. 1990-2004

• Box “ARG NP Handstamp,” contains self-inking stamp “Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID, Rochester, NY, Permit No. 8,” n.d.
• Hand-lettered book: “Book of Life,” contains pages of names, 1980-1999. Front page reads “This book made possible by funding from The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and the Reverend Paul E. Walker, Please return to: The Episcopal Diocesan House, 935 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14607,” n.d. [c. 1990s]
• Frame: “Book of Life / Please do not write in book. If you would like to submit a name for the Book of Life, please fill out the available entry cards. Thank you.” n.d. [c. 1990s]
• Ziploc bag, contains 4 clip-on name badge and 3 pin name badges, “PeaceArt International Usher,” n.d.
• Large vinyl banner [approx. 8 feet long]: White background with dark green lettering, “AIDS Remembrance Garden, Rochester, New York,” n.d. [c. 1990s]
• Large vinyl banner [approx. 6 feet long]: Tan background with dark green lettering, “A Place of Hope / Healing / Remembrance / AIDS Remembrance Garden,” n.d. [c. 1990s]
• Box “AIDS Remembrance Garden/ Benefits, VHS Tapes,” contains:
  • VHS tape: “Gay Alliance Promo, Produced by Michael Moore,” n.d.
  • VHS tape: “The Changing Faces of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 17 minutes,” n.d.
  • VHS tape: “Rochester Productions, GAGV Testimonial,” n.d.
  • VHS tape: “Excerpts from 1989, 1991, 1996 Pride Parades, Rochester, NY, Time: 36 minutes, Property of: TV Dinner, 232-7190/ DVD 0001 Evelyn,” n.d.
  • VHS tape: “In a New Light: AIDS Benefit,” n.d.
  • VHS tape: “AIDS Garden Remembrance Service / Remembrance Service AIDS Garden, 6/21/95 TV8 and 13 Reports,” c. 1995
  • VHS tape: “AIDS Garden 1999 R News / 6/99,” c. 1999
  • VHS tape: “Pride Fest ‘03 / Pride Fest – pt 1 – wide shots + parade, pt 2 – close-ups,” c. 2003
• Binder [unlabeled], contains photographs and news clippings of AIDS Remembrance Garden events, 1994-1996, including:
  • groundbreaking
  • “Beginning Excavation Work, 1994”
  • “Annual Service of Hope and Healing, 1995”
  • “Annual Service of Hope and Healing, 1996”
• Binder “A.R.G.,” contains:
  • Notes
  • list of contacts
  • budget
  • Meeting minutes of AIDS Remembrance Place Project, 1991-1998
• Binder [unlabeled], contains:
  • AIDS Remembrance Garden section diagrams and lists of trees/plants and donors, n.d. [c. 1990s]
  • ARG Donor List from 1992-1996
• Binder [unlabeled], contains:
  • Information sheet on AIDS Remembrance Garden, n.d.
  • Programs: AIDS Remembrance Garden Service of Hope and Healing, 2004
  • “The Book of Life” application cards, filled out, n.d.
  • “The Book of Life” blank application cards, n.d.
  • Hand-out: “Book of Life: Updated May 2004,” names from 1981-2001, c. 2004
• Small cardboard box, contains:
  • Scott’s Photo envelope, with photos of Highland Park, includes some close-ups of shrubs/trees/flowers with plaques, c. 1999
  • Folder: “Loose photographs and negatives, c. 1990s,” contains:
    • 4 loose photographs of display booth/event showcasing drawings for AIDS Remembrance Garden, with people and flowers; n.d.
    • 5 loose photographs of dedication ceremony, Spring 1995
    • 2 loose photographs of banner for AIDS Remembrance Garden, n.d.
    • Loose negatives, n.d. [c. 1990s]
  • Frame: Certificate of Appreciation Presented to AIDS Remembrance Garden for Participation, Support, and Assistance at GardenScape ‘96, 1996
  • Folder: “Address mailing labels, n.d.” [contains sheets of printed Avery labels with addreses of Garden Angels; also return address templates for AIDS Remembrance Garden, n.d.]
  • Folder: “Dear Garden Angel form templates, c. 1999 and n.d.” [contains form letters for Garden Angels, c. 1999 and n.d.]
  • Folder: “The Pastoral Care HIV/ AIDS Resource Packet, Monroe County, New York, 1996-1997,” c. 1996-1997
  • Booklet: Rochester Neighborhood Associations List, 1998
  • Folder: “BNO,” contains recognition of Greater Rochester AIDS Interfaith Network, Inc. as 501(c)3, with related tax and legal documents, c. 1989-1990
  • Folder: “ARG Tax Forms,” contains tax forms and related reference for AIDS Remembrance Garden, 1990-2002
  • Folder: “AIDS Service May 20,” contains ad and program for Interfaith Service of Memory and Hope at AIDS Remembrance Garden, May 20, 2001
  • Folder: “Meeting Minutes, 1995-1996,” contains minutes for ARG/GRAIN meetings, 1995-1996
  • Folder: “Auction information,” contains flyers, photographs of auctioneers, list of auction lots, letters, c. 1996-2000
  • Folder: “Services programs, 1995-2000,” contains programs for annual Services of Hope and Healing at AIDS Remembrance Garden, 1995-2000
  • Folder: “Fundraising information sheets,” details about AIDS Remembrance Garden, n.d.
  • Folder: “Book of Life addition cards, c. 1990s-2002,” contains names and cards for additions to Book of Life remembrance book, undated but likely c. 1990s-2002
  • Folder: “Publicity and media list, c. 1998-1999 and n.d.,” contains magazines, news clippings, ad, and media list for Rochester, c. 1998-1999 and n.d.
  • Folder: “Drawings, 1992,” contains reproductions of concept sketches for AIDS Remembrance Garden, c. 1992
  • Folder: “Miscellaneous notes and ephemera,” contains name tags, badge holders, envelopes, notes, sign-in sheets, various invoices, business cards; c. 1990s-2002
• Folder: “Barber Conable,” contains:
  • List of updates to Book of Life, June 2000
  • Letter from White House to Kevin J. Meyers of AIDS Remembrance Garden, July 12, 1999
  • Book of Life cards, n.d.
  • Help Wanted flyers for AIDS Garden Crew, n.d.
  • Service program for 8th Annual Service of Hope and Healing, June 21, 2000
  • Mailing list sheets, n.d.
  • AIDS Remembrance Garden service program, June 19, 1996
  • Fundraising info sheets, n.d.
  • Save the Dates flyers for 8th Annual Remembrance Service and 3rd Annual Auction Fundraiser events, n.d. [c. 2000]
• Two issues of Empty Closet, July and August 2001
• Folder: “News clippings/ photocopies/ press releases, 1993,” contains photocopied press releases and news articles about AIDS Garden, 1993
• Folder: “Budgets,” contains: budget info, Treasurer’s Reports, updated fundraising list, c. 1991-1993
• Folder: “Kevin Meyers, 501(c)(3),” contains copies of letters for Greater Rochester AIDS Interfaith Network from IRS, 1990
• Folder [unlabeled]: contains photocopies of news article “Power of grief helped plant Rochester’s AIDS Garden,” Democrat & Chronicle, September 25, 1997
• Folder: “Stats,” contains:
  • White folder: “Grant originals, 11/94,” contains budgets, copies of tax exempt letter, other AIDS Remembrance Garden info sheets, c. 1994
  • Copies of construction cost estimates for AIDS Remembrance Garden by Environmental Design & Research, n.d.
  • Copies of info sheet re: development of AIDS Remembrance Garden steering committee, n.d.
  • Copies of tax exempt letter from IRS, 1990
• Folder: “Steering Commitee,” contains copies of info sheet re: development of AIDS Remembrance Garden steering committee, n.d.
• White folder: “Master Copies, AIDS Remembrance Garden Photos,” contains color copies of concept design sketches for AIDS Remembrance Garden, c. 1992
• Folder: “ARG Grant Proposal Drafts,” contains copies of 1993 articles, tax forms, fundraising sheets, lists of available plants for garden, c. 1993-1994
• Folder: “Archives,” contains:
  • copies of news articles about AIDS Remembrance Garden, c. 1993-1995
  • program for Swell the Hallelujahs holiday concert by Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Women’s Community Chorus, c. 1994
  • program for World AIDS Day 1993 Service of Remembrance, 1993
• Copy of Empty Closet, July 1995
• Folder: “Postage Statements, 2001,” contains ARG office postage statements, c. 2001
• Folder [unlabeled], contains:
  • unlabeled photo negatives, n.d.
  • Programs for Service of Healing, Hope, and Remembrance at AIDS Remembrance Garden, May 20, 2001
  • Color reproduction of concept design sketch for AIDS Remembrance Garden, c. 1993
  • Application/ template for Little Theatre Slide Advertising n.d.
• Envelope: “Kevin Meyers, WXXI / Leonard Urso,” contains:
  • “Proposal to the Review Committee for Monroe County Parks Department, Installation of Sculpture,” c. 2002
  • Photographs of sculptures, c. 2002
  • Letter of Agreement for installation of sculpture for AIDS Remembrance Garden between ARG and Leonard Urso, August 21, 2002
  • Information sheets for proposal about AIDS Remembrance Garden and sculpture installation, c. 2002
• Envelope: “ARG Sculpture Minutes,” contains notes, meeting minutes, other correspondence; c. 1991-1993
• Envelope: “to Mr. Kevin Indovino,” contains legal correspondence and agreement for Sculpture Loan, 2003
• Padded envelope: “George Eastman House / Kevin Meyers, WXXI,” contains color reproductions of concept design sketches for AIDS Remembrance Garden; originals c. 1992, reproductions undated.

Contact: GAGV

Types of Records:

File folders, photographs, videotape, financial records, newsletters and press releases, letters, minutes, charters and by-laws

Scope and Content:

Program and fundraiser documents, board meeting minutes, membership documents, financial documents, documents pertaining to documentary, A Closer Walk, photographs

Contents:

Box 1

HPA Original Order Box 1

Folders:

HPA

Sub-folders:

Holiday Contacts 2002, Gift Cards, etc.

Untitled (Wish List 2002)

HPA thank you letters from people

HPA Bylaws

HPA Wishlist Application

HPA Board Roster (empty)

HPA Grants Approved

Wish List General Account Checks

Monies Deposited HPA

HPA Thank you  letter to people

Pain of Silence

HPA from correspondence

GAGV Pride Picnic 2003

Handouts

[Robinson/Kase HPA, reference bip] (empty)

Responses/Donations HPA 10/26

HPA Grant Requests (empty)

HPA to Correspondence

Loose Contents:

Uncle BoB’s Self-Storage, receipt October 25, 2002

Letter from Rochester Grantmakers Forum

Membership Renewal Invoice from Rochester Grantmakers Forum

Community Health Network, Incorporated Grant Submission to Helping

People             With Aids, Inc December 10, 2002 (2 copies)

HPA/Closer Walk

Sub-folders:

Tea Dance TY’s

Closer Walk

HPA Tea Dance

Loose Contents:

Agreement Between Helping People with AIDS, Inc. (HPA) and

Worldwide Documentaries, Inc. (2 copies unsigned)

Letter notifying change of address, telephone number and fax line for

HPA

HPA Inc. Board Roster (13 copies)

Email correspondence: Subject line, “HPA Visibility at ‘A Closer

Walk’—good news? from Patrick Fisher to Tim Tompkins, December 17, 2002

Letter from Worldwide Documentaries, December 11, 2002 and invitation

for “A Closer Walk,” banded together

“A Closer Walk” announcement card

“a closer walk” Project Update, May 1, 2002 (original with handwritten

notes in margin)

“a closer walk” Project Update, May 1, 2002 (2 copies of original)

Agreement Between Helping People with AIDS, Inc. (HPA) and

Worldwide Documentaries, Inc. (unsigned)

Agreement Between Helping People with AIDS, Inc. (HPA) and

Worldwide Documentaries, Inc. (2 copies of signed agreement)

Agreement Between Helping People with AIDS, Inc. (HPA) and

Worldwide Documentaries, Inc. (original signed agreement with copy of signed agreement, paper clipped together with Worldwide Documentaries’ President’s business card)

Grant Application to Helping People With AIDS, Rochester Information

Sheet

Worldwide Documentaries, Inc. Financial Statements for the Years Ended

April 30, 2000 and 1999 and Independent Auditors’ Report

“A Closer Walk” flyer (photocopy)

“Hollywood stars part of AIDS film to premiere here” newspaper

unknown, articled faxed January 3, 2003

Montana Mills Bread order form

Worldwide Documentaries, Inc. Financial Statements for the Years Ended

April 30, 2001 and 2000 and Independent Auditors’ Report

a closer walk Global AIDS and the Human Right to Health (media folder)

a closer walk Project Summary

            a closer walk Project Update, April 1, 2002

            a closer walk Budget and Financial overview

            Robert Bilheimer

“From the Heartland Documentaries includes Kansas City’s perspective on global AIDS problem” Kansas City Star, Wednesday, March 21, 2001

a closer walk, documentary film description

“A closer Walk” VHS video

Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company, Commercial Lines Policy

Correspondence regarding purchase of a Timeshare by Jean Kase

HPA List Requests Granted 2003

                        Sub-folders:

HPA Requests to be Recorded

Untitled folder

Sub-folders:

HPA

Kwasman Mailing

HPA Insurance

Helping People with AIDS INC

Mission Statement

Untitled folder

                        Sub-folders:

HPA H+W II (Hollywood and Wine, II)

Loose contents:

Photographs (4 packets labeled H+W II)

Large manila envelope labled “Separate Invitations sent 2002 HPA

(contains photocopies of Hollywood and Wine invitations)

HPA

                        Sub-folders:

HPA Meetings

HPA Liberty Pole Way event

HPA Letter of Intent

Loose contents:

Hollywood and Wine II, Masks Music Merlot flyer and RSVP cards

HPA advertisement page, Empty Closet, July 2002

Special Underwriting Opportunities

Event Journal Advertising

2003 Heart Ball

Empire State Pride Agenda membership renewal

HPA logo printed full sheet (4 copies)

HPA Inc. Board Roster (4 copies)

Benefit advertisement, Empty Closet, number 349 (2002)

Human Rights Campaign letter

AIDS Walk flyer and donation card

Victoria Harris Productions Letter

Untitled folder

Sub-folders:

HPA Wishlist Paid and Recorded

HPA Wishlist Applications

Manila envelope

2000 Wish List spreadsheet

Floppy disc

Untitled folder

                        Marc Neuman Dining for Dollars Luncheon September 29, 2001 photocopies of

checks

Hollywood and Wine 2001 Potential Casting Agent List spreadsheets

Untitled spreadsheets

Hollywood and Wine reservations

33 audiotapes of the radio program Green Thursday (1972-1975), the first radio program in the United States geared exclusively to the LGBT community. These rare audiotapes of this groundbreaking radio program document the efforts to break through the isolation homosexuals experienced in the early ‘70’s and to prevent homosexuals from committing suicide.  These unique audiotapes demonstrate the early media sophistication of the LGBT movement in Rochester, NY.

Recorded interviews with Frank Kameny, Barbara Giddings and proceedings from first international gay conference in Edinburgh, Scotland 1977

Guide to the Joan Giuffre Papers 2017.016
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on January 17, 2018.
English
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Table of Contents
Summary Information …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Biographical Note ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Scope and Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Arrangement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Administrative Information ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Controlled Access Headings ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Collection Inventory ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Guide to the Joan Giuffre Papers 2017.016
– Page 3-
Summary Information
Repository: Local History & Genealogy Division
Creator: Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley
Title: Joan Giuffre papers
ID: 2017.016
Date [inclusive]: 1977-2000, bulk 1977-1978
Date [bulk]: bulk 1977-1978
Physical Description: 0.3 Cubic Feet 2 clam shell legal size document boxes
Language of the
Material:
English
Mixed Materials
[box]:
1-2
Abstract: This collection consists of the papers of Joan Giuffre, regarding
the first National Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas in 1977.
The materials are dated between 1977 and 2000, with a bulk of the
materials dated between 1977 and 1978. The materials consist of
brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, programs, and other publications
from the first National Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas.
Preferred Citation
Joan Giuffre Papers, [box#:folder#]. Local History and Genealogy Division. Central Library of
Rochester and Monroe County N.Y.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Biographical Note
Joan Giuffre was a LBGTQ activist. She attended the first National Women’s Conference in Houston,
Texas in 1977. Giuffre was also involved in the Black Rose Production Company and the Empty Closet.
Giuffre worked at the age of ten in Rochester’s Arena Theater. She toured with the last vaudeville show
ever to play the United States and closed the last of the great vaudeville theaters. After moving to New
York City she began to focus more on political activisim in the civil rights and peace movements. When
Guide to the Joan Giuffre Papers 2017.016
– Page 4-
she returned to Rochester she began to volunteer with the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley until 1979.
when she founded a small theater group called “Rising” with Sue Cowell. Giuffre founded BlackRose
Productions in 1987 with Susan David, and Janet Barberio.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of the papers of Joan Guiffre, regarding the first National Women’s Conference
in Houston, Texas in 1977. The materials are dated between 1977 and 2000, with a bulk of the materials
dated between 1977 and 1978. The materials consist of brochures, pamphlets, newsletters, programs, and
other publications from the first National Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas.
The subjects of the pamphlets and brochures are the National Women’s Conference, women in business,
women against violence against women, the status of American women, and women’s rights. The
publications are Proposed National Plan of Action, The Spirit of Houston: The First National Women’s
Conference – An Official Report to the President, the Congress, and the People of the United States, The
Daily Breakthrough: Where Women are News newsletter, and articles from the Democrat and Chronicle,
the Houston Chronicle, the New York Times, and the Houston Post regarding the National Women’s
Conference.
The collection also contains flyers, programs, and pledge cards related to the Gay Alliance, LBGTQ
community organizations, and events.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Arrangement
This collection consists of two boxes.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Administrative Information
Publication Statement
Local History & Genealogy Division
Guide to the Joan Giuffre Papers 2017.016
– Page 5-
115 South Ave.
Rochester 14604
585-428-8370
lochistref@libraryweb.org
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 100 College Avenue, Suite
100, Rochester, New York 14607 on August 16, 2016 [Acquisition number 2017.016].
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be
obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.
Processing Information
This project was made possible by a grant from the Documentary Heritage Program of the New York
State Archives, a program of the State Education Department.
Processing Information
This collection was kept in the original order it was received in. All metal fasteners were removed and
any acidic papers were placed in their own envelopes.
Processing Information
According to deed of gift, any duplicates or items found unsuitable to the RPL collections and not
retained should be returned to the donor. Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 100 College Ave., Suite
100, Rochester, New York 14607.
Custodial History
The envelope labeled “JG-1” contains paperwork that states “Items are from Susan David-They are
items from Joan Giuffre’s Collection and that is how the files should be identified – Joan Giuffre
Collection.”
^ Return to Table of Contents
Guide to the Joan Giuffre Papers 2017.016
– Page 6-
Controlled Access Headings
• Women’s rights — New York (State) — History
• Women — Societies and clubs
• Women — Social conditions — 20th century
• Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley
• National Women’s Conference (U.S.) (1977 : Houston, Tex.)
Bibliography
Miller, M.L. “Women Produce Two Gay Plays.” Empty Closet (Rochester, NY), October 1987.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Collection Inventory
Title/Description Instances
Pamplets, 1977, undated box 1 folder 1
Newsletters, 1977-1978 box 1 folder 2
National Plan of Action, 1977 box 1 folder 3
“The Spirit of Houston”, 1978 box 1 folder 4
Report on the Genesee Region Women’s Meeting Speak-Out, 1977 box 1 folder 5
Conference newsletters, 1977 box 2 folder 1
National Women’s Conference program, 1977 box 2 folder 2
Conference ephemera, 1977 box 2 folder 3
Media coverage, 1977 box 2 folder 4
Miscellaneous, 1978-2000 box 2 folder 5

Empty Closet Photograph Collection

Digitization of approximately 3400 newspaper photographs from the years 1974- 2004 from the archives of the Empty Closet (EC), published by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley since 1972. These photographs document the events and activities of the LGBT community in Western New York State over nearly forty years.  The full archives of the issues of the Empty Closet are currently microfilmed and digitally archived at both the University of Rochester rare Books Division and Cornell University’s Goodstein Human

Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester
Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival
2017.017
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on January 17, 2018.
English
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Table of Contents
Summary Information …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Biographical / Historical ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Scope and Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
Arrangement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Administrative Information ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Controlled Access Headings ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Bibliography ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Collection Inventory ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Series I: ImageOut ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Series II: Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus ………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Series III: Pins and buttons …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Series IV: Posters …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10
Series V: Miscellaneous ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 3-
Summary Information
Repository: Local History & Genealogy Division
Source: Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley
Title: David Emert collection on the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and
ImageOut Film Festival
ID: 2017.017
Date [inclusive]: 1989-2013
Physical Description: 1.0 Cubic Feet Three boxes and one over sized file folder.
Language of the
Material:
English
Mixed Materials
[box]:
1-3
Graphic Materials
[folder]:
OS1
Abstract: This collection consists of the papers collected by David Emert,
Producer of the ImageOut! Film Festival and performer in the
Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. The materials date between 1989 and
2013. The materials consist of programs, budgets, meeting minutes,
and planning materials for the ImageOut! Film Festival, programs,
photographs, and articles regarding the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus,
buttons and pins, and posters.
Preferred Citation
David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and ImageOut Film Festival,
[box#:folder#]. Local History and Genealogy Division, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe
County N.Y.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Biographical / Historical
David Emert became a host of the GALA leadership conference in 1988 and heard the Rochester Gay
Men’s Chorus sing. He joined the chorus in late 1988. He served on the board of directors as secretary
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 4-
and member at large. He was also the co-director of development and co-chair of GALA fundraising.
Emert helped revise the chorus handbook and created an advertising sales system in the mid 1990’s.
David was also very involved in the ImageOut Film Festival. He was a chair member in 1994, as well as
a member of the advertising sub-committee, and the executive planning committee. In 1995, David was
the festival producer, on the executive board, finance chair, and in advertising and sales. Emert was also
the editor of ImageOut News. David Emert was a large contributor to the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus
and the ImageOut Film Festival. He contributed with his time, money, and knowledgeable skill set.
The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus was started in 1982 to seek a better world for themselves, their
community, and for the nation by sowing seeds of harmony through the universal language of music.
The Chorus has a membership of over 40 people. Members of the RGMC have represented the Rochester
community at every choral festival of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses. The RGMC
performs concerts around the Rochester area and have held exchange concerts with choruses in Detroit,
Philadelphia, Toronto, Vancouver, Cleveland, and Germany. The Chorus belongs to the Greater
Rochester Choral Consortium and the Arts and Cultural Council of Monroe County. They currently
perform three concerts annually.
The ImageOut Film Festival started as the Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival in 1993.
The RGLFVF started under the auspices of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. The first festival
included 18 programs and 100 films and videos that focused on celebrating and documenting the past and
present of the global Lesbian and Gay community. In 1994, the festival introduced the Third Coast Call
for Work that highlighted the work of regional film and video makers. The festival also introduced signlanguage
interpretive services of the film programs.
By 1996, the Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival had become so successful that it was
incorporated into an independent not-for-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and was renamed ImageOut. Each
year since then has been an ever increasing success. The festival has grown from two venues in 1993 to
five venues in 2001. In 2015, ImageOut continues to be the leading provider of LGBT arts and cultural
programs in the region and hosts the largest film festival in Rochester and the largest LGBT film festival
in New York State. ImageOut is more than a film festival, the six programs and services are:
Annual Film Festival
ImageRaisers
Next Generation Film Series
ImageOutReach
ImageArt
ImageOutWrite
^ Return to Table of Contents
Scope and Contents
This collection consists of the papers collected by David Emert, Producer of the ImageOut Film Festival
and performer in the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. The materials date between 1989 and 2013. The
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 5-
materials consist of programs, budgets, meeting minutes, planning, photographs, articles, buttons and
pins, and posters.
This collection contains materials regarding the Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival
that began in 1993. In 1996, the Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival changed its name
to ImageOut Film Festival. The collection contains programs for ImageOut from 1993-2010, and
2012-2013. The program for 2011 is not in this collection. It also contains meeting minutes, budgets,
correspondence, and other administrative documents from the ImageOut Film Festival.
The materials in this collection regarding the Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus includes photographs,
articles, and concert programs. The buttons, pins, and posters are related to LBGTQ events and issues
from the late 1980’s to the early 2000’s.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Arrangement
This collection consists of four boxes divided into five series:
Series I: ImageOut, 1993-2013
Series II: Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus, 1989-2003
Series III: Pins and Buttons 1989-1994, undated
Series IV: Posters 1989-1990, undated
Series V: Miscellaneous, 1989,1994
^ Return to Table of Contents
Administrative Information
Publication Statement
Local History & Genealogy Division
115 South Ave.
Rochester 14604
585-428-8370
lochistref@libraryweb.org
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 6-
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated by the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 100 College Avenue, Suite
100, Rochester, New York 14607 on August 11, 2016 [Acquisition number 2017-017].
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this collection.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be
obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.
Processing Information
This project was made possible by a grant from the Documentary Heritage Program of the New York
State Archives, a program of the State Education Department.
Processing Information
This collection was kept in the original order in which it was donated to the Central Library of
Rochester and Monroe County, Local History and Genealogy Division. All metal fasteners were
removed, posters were removed from the tube and flattened, and the pins and buttons were removed
from the paper files and placed in their own archival box.
Processing Information
According to deed of gift, any duplicates or items found unsuitable to the RPL collections and not
retained should be returned to the donor. Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, 100 College Ave., Suite
100, Rochester, New York 14607.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Controlled Access Headings
• Community organizations — New York (State) — Rochester
• Festivals — New York (State) — Rochester
• Correspondence
• Posters
• Gay and lesbian film festivals
• Image Out Film Festival
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 7-
• Gay choirs
• Gay Alliance of Genesee Valley
• Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus
• ImageOut Film Festival
Bibliography
“Our History, ImageOut of the Past.” ImageOut: The Rochester LGBT Film Festival. Accessed
September 22, 2017. http://www.imageout.org/history.php.
”Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus History.” Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus. Accessed September 22, 2017.
http://www.thergmc.org/history.html.
^ Return to Table of Contents
Collection Inventory
Series I: ImageOut, 1993-2013 box 1-2
Title/Description Instances
Pink Flamingo program, 1991 box 1 folder 7
Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival planning
materials, 1994
box 1 folder 8
Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival planning
materials, 1995
box 1 folder 9
Image Out! planning materials, 1996 box 1 folder 10
Image Out! News newsletters, 2001-2003 box 1 folder 11
Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival programs,
1993
box 1 folder 12
Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival programs,
1994
box 1 folder 13
Rochester Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival programs,
1995
box 1 folder 14
Image Out! programs, 1996 box 1 folder 15
Image Out! programs, 1997 box 1 folder 16
Image Out! programs, 1998 box 1 folder 17
Image Out! programs, 1999 box 1 folder 18
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 8-
Image Out! programs, 2000 box 1 folder 19
Image Out! programs, 2001 box 2 folder 1
Image Out! programs, 2002 box 2 folder 2
Image Out! programs, 2003 box 2 folder 3
Image Out! programs, 2004 box 2 folder 4
Image Out! programs, 2005 box 2 folder 5
Image Out! programs, 2006 box 2 folder 6
Image Out! programs, 2007 box 2 folder 7
Image Out! programs, 2008 box 2 folder 8
Image Out! programs, 2009 box 2 folder 9
Image Out! programs, 2010 box 2 folder 10
Image Out! programs, 2012 box 2 folder 11
Image Out! programs, 2013 box 2 folder 12
“A Performance Celebration of Image Out” program, 2002 box 2 folder 13
^ Return to Table of Contents
Series II: Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus,
1989-2003
box 1
Title/Description Instances
Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus “Making a Big Splash” concert, July
3, 1989
box 1 folder 2
2nd annual Skippy Award, 1991 box 1 folder 3
GALA Festival V photographs, 1996 box 1 folder 5
Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus 20th Anniversary celebration, 2003 box 1 folder 6
^ Return to Table of Contents
Series III: Pins and buttons, 1989-1994,
undated
box 3
Title/Description Instances
“Rochester Rams” temporary tattoo, Undated box 3 object 1-3
1″ round pin, “Rochester Rams”, Undated box 3 object 4
1″ triangle pin “GALA IV, Denver 1992″, 1992 box 3 object 5
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 9-
1” oblong pin, “1000 Voice Choir, Gay Games IV, Cultural
Festival, New York City, 1994″, 1994
box 3 object 6
1” rectangular pin, “Festival V, GALA Choruses”, Undated box 3 object 7
1″ rectangular pin, AIDS Awareness stamp, Undated box 3 object 8
1.5″ round pins, “I’d rather be gay in Rochester”, Undated box 3 object 9-11
1″x3″ patch, “Rochester – Made for Living”, Undated box 3 object 12
0.75″ round pin, [No sign] AIDS, Undated box 3 object 13
1.5″ square pin, “We’re the Chorus Your Mother Warned You
About”, Undated
box 3 object 14-15
2″ triangle pin, “It’s a Gay and Lesbian Thing – Let Me Help You
Understand”, Undated
box 3 object 16
1″ rectangular pin, “The NAMES Project”, Undated box 3 object 17
1.5″ square pin, Future generations will turn to you and ask: ‘What
did you do to end the AIDS crisis?'”, Undated
box 3 object 18
2″ square pin, “Keep the Love Alive – NAMES Project, October
6-8, 1989, October 6 – 8, 1989
box 3 object 19
2.5” rectangular pin, “GALA Festival IV, Denver 1992″, 1992 box 3 object 20
3” round pin, “Omaha – Stone Wall: A Generation of Pride 20
Years”, Undated
box 3 object 21
1″ round pin, “Rochester Lambda”, Undated box 3 object 22
1″ round pin, “I’m a Friend of Bearhug”, Undated box 3 object 23
1″ round pin, “Golden Horseshoe Leather Association – GHLA”,
Undated
box 3 object 24
1.5″ round pin, “Safe Sex Slut”, Undated box 3 object 25
1.5″ round pin, “Zero Patience A Movie Musical About AIDS”,
Undated
box 3 object 26
1.5″ round pin, “Just Wear It”, Undated box 3 object 27
1.5″ round pin, “Garth Fagan’s Bucket Dance Theater USA”,
Undated
box 3 object 28
1.75″ round pin, “Powers of the Past”, Undated box 3 object 29
1.75″ round pin, “Boycott Coors Beer”, Undated box 3 object 30
1.75″ round pin, “Picnic Fest ’89, Rochester NY”, 1989 box 3 object 31
1.75″ round pin, “Lesbians and Gay Men for Clinton/Gore”,
Undated
box 3 object 32
2.5″ round pin “Leah Zicari: Wouldn’t That Be Fun”, Undated box 3 object 33
2.5″ round pin, “GALA V – By Tampa Bay”, Undated box 3 object 34
Guide to the David Emert Collection of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus and Image Out Film Festival 2017.017
– Page 10-
2.5″ round pin, “Mains for Council”, Undated box 3 object 35
2.5″ round pin, “Together/The Orpheum/July 1st”, Undated box 3 object 36
2.5″ round pin, “Keep Abortion Legal”, Undated box 3 object 37
2.5″ round pin, “Twin Cities Men’s Chorus, GALA III, Seattle
1989, 1989
box 3 object 38
^ Return to Table of Contents
Series IV: Posters, 1989-1992, undated folder OS1
Title/Description Instances
20″x8″ panoramic photograph of Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus,
Undated
folder OS1 item 1
17″x22” poster “SUNY Oswego presents Rochester Gay Men’s
Chorus”, March 24, 1990
folder OS1 item 2-3
11″x16″ poster “Gloria – Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus, December
2 and December 8-9″, Undated
folder OS1 item 4-6
18″x24” poster, “Friars III, 248 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY”,
Undated
folder OS1 item 7
18″x24″ poster, “GALA III Festival, Seattle, WA, July 2-8, 1989,
July 2-8, 1989
folder OS1 item 8-10
19″x13” “Under the Big Top, Dining for Dollars VI” poster,
September 28, 1991
folder OS1 item 11
24″x16″ “Heart Strings – The AIDS Memorial Quilt – And You”
poster, 1992
folder OS1 item 12
^ Return to Table of Contents
Series V: Miscellaneous, 1989, 1994 box 1
Title/Description Instances
The NAMES Project – AIDS Memorial Quilt booklet, 1989 box 1 folder 1
Rochester City Newspaper, June 23, 1994 box 1 folder 4
“Hey Stud, Call Me” matchbooks, Undated box 3 object 39-40
Flyers, Undated box 2 folder 14
^ Return to Table of Contents

Pam Barres Collection, 1989-1998

Records Inventory

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, Rochester, NY

Box PB-1 – Rochester CD Network, various C.D. group newsletters,

• The Rochester C.D. Network – CD News, issues:
  • November 1989
  • December 1989
  • January 1990
  • February 1990
  • March 1990
  • April 1990
  • May 1990
  • June 1990
  • July 1990
  • August 1990
  • September 1990
  • October 1990
  • November 1990
  • December 1990 (2 copies)
  • January 1991
  • February 1991
  • April 1991
  • July-August 1991
  • September 1991
  • October-November 1991 (2 copies)
  • December 1991-January 1992
  • February-March 1992
  • April-May 1992
  • June-July 1992
  • August-September 1992
  • October-November 1992
  • December 1992-January 1993
  • February-March 1993 (2 copies)
  • April-May 1993
  • June-July 1993
  • August-September 1993
  • October-November 1993
  • December 1993-January 1994
  • February-March 1994
  • April-May 1994
  • June-July 1994
  • August-September 1994
  • October-November 1994
  • December 1994-January 1995
  • February-March 1995
  • April-May 1995
  • June-July 1995 (“CD News Compendium”)
  • August-September 1995
  • October-December 1995
  • January-March 1996
  • April-June 1996
  • July-September 1996 (“CD News Compendium”)
  • October-December 1996
  • January-March 1997
  • April-June 1997
  • July-September 1997

October-December 1997 [final edition

Sue Cowell Collection

Sue Cowell was a mover and shaker.  Her curriculum vitae reads as a

Who’s Who in Rochester.  Beginning as a nurse practitioner at U of R she

worked to open the first AIDS Clinic at St. Mary’s, founded AIDs Rochester,

served on  the Rochester Area Task Force On AIDS.  She was a political

activist who organized and ran Tim Mains’ first and subsequent campaigns,

worked on Louise Slaughter’s Campaign, was a delegate to the 1996 and 2000

Democratic conventions, founding member of ESPA in Upstate NY, and served

as president of the Gay Alliance Board and as Executive Director.

            About Sue Cowell

Sue was born in Queens, NY and grew up in nearby Hicksville, NY.  After receiving

a B.S. degree in Psychology (graduating Cum Laude) at SUNY New Paltz in 1974

and an M.S. in Nursing at Pace University in 1977, she moved to Rochester to

accept a position with the Health Services Division of the University of Rochester.

Her involvement in and contributions to the Rochester LGBTQ Community over the

past 38 years, along with her many awards, include:

COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE

• Nurse Practitioner, U of R Health Services, 1977-1988
  • Coordinator of Health Education, 1980-1983
  • Manager, River Campus Unit, 1983-1987
  • Chief, Health Education Unit, 1987-1988
• Co-coordinator of and participant in the Feminist Blood Drive, 1978
• AIDS Coordinator, Monroe County Health Department, 1988-1998
• Nurse Practitioner, Planned Parenthood of Rochester, 1991-1998
• Served on the Women in Jail Committee, 1994-1998
• Nurse Educator, Rochester STD/HIV Prevention Training Center, 1995-1998

HIV/AIDS

• Together with Dr. Tom Rush, co-founded the AIDS Screening Clinic at the

University of Rochester, 1982

• Co-authored the first printed material about AIDS published in Rochester entitled

“Guidelines for SAFER SEX: The Risk of AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted

Diseases Can Be Reduced,” published by the American Red Cross, 1982

• Co-founded the Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS in 1983 and served as a

Member for 15 years.

• Co-founded AIDS Rochester in 1983 and served as first board president.
• Founding board member of MOCHA (Men of Color Health Awareness), 1998
• Helped organize the GAGV Lesbian and Gay Health Network, 1988
• Attended the White House Conference on HIV and AIDS, 1995.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

• Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley
  • Board Co-President, 1979-1980, 1985-1986
  • Board President, 2007-2008
  • Executive Director, 2009-2012
  • Collaborated in the creation of the Political Caucus of the Gay Alliance
• Empty Closet
  • Staff Writer, Distribution Manager and Calendar Manager, 1978-1980
  • Editor, March-June, 1985
  • Community Reporter and Writer, 1978-2013

LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL POLITICS

• Co-coordinator of the Rally For Rights, sponsored by the Rochester Gay Task Force,

which was held in Rochester on September 23, 1978 in response to Anita Bryant’s

appearance the same day at the Dome Arena.

• As co-president of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, appeared on the Rochester

television program AM Rochester on June 30, 1980 in conjunction with an episode

of the Phil Donohue Show that dealt with two gay men who wanted to attend their

senior prom as a couple.

• Democratic Party District Leader and Committee Member, 1985-1990
• Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, 1996 and 2000
• Campaign Manager
  • Tim Mains, Rochester City Council, 1985
  • Mike Fernandez, Rochester City School District, 1989
  • Susan John, New York State Assembly, 1990
• Campaign Staff Member
  • Louse Slaughter, U.S. House of Representatives, 1986
  • Louse Slaughter Re-Election, 2012
• Campaign Volunteer
  • Tom Frey, Monroe County Executive, 1987
  • Bob Duffy, Rochester Mayor, 2005
  • Matt Haag and Carolee Conklin, Rochester City Council, 2009 and 2013
• Empire State Pride Agenda
  • Board Member, 1991-1998
  • Co-Chair, 1993-1998
  • Volunteer, 1998-2008

ROCHESTER BUSINESS AND LGBTQ ARTS

• Founding member of the Rochester Womyn’s Community Chorus, 1978
• Co-founded and operated Ace Mailing Services, 1998-2008
• Co-founded Rising Productions,1980

• Produced and brought to Rochester, Binghamton, Buffalo and Syracuse

performances by Lucie Blue Tremblay, Wallflower Order Dance Collective,

Mary Watkins, Therese Edell, Teresa Trull, Meg Christian, Robin Tyler,

Nancy Vogel, Barbara Higbie and JEB.

• Produced plays by women playwrights, including A late Snow by

Jane Chambers, Save Me A Place at Forest lawn by Lorees Yerby,

The Great Nebula In Orion by Lanford Wilson and A Voice of My Own

by Elinor Jones.

• Produced 1980 Womansong and Celebration, a day-long performing

arts event to commemorate the birthday of Eleanor Roosevelt, 1980

• Co-founded Rising Art which provided exhibition space for local women artists, 1981
• Co-produced the Lesbian Variety Fashion Show to raise money to fight world

hunger, 1985

• Co-produced documentary film The Riverview: A Lesbian Place for the Rochester

Lesbian and Gay Film & Video Festival, 1994

• Co-produced documentary film Christa McAuliffe: Reach For The Stars, 2006

AWARDS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK

• GAGV Vickie Cup community service award, 1980
• American College Health Association distinguished service award, 1986.
• Recognition Award for her role in the establishment of AIDS Rochester, 1989
• Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS certificate of appreciation, 1994.
• Rochester Lesbian and Gay Political Caucus exemplary service award, 1994.
• Distinguished Service Award for 15 years of service to the Rochester Area Task Force

on AIDS, 1998

• Empire State Pride Agenda Glen Joseph Pacheco Volunteer Award for her service as

retiring co-chair of the ESPA Board of Directors, 1998

• University of Rochester/Monroe County Health Department STD/HIV Collaboration

Award in recognition of 10 years of vision, leadership and commitment, 1998

• Monroe County Health Department award in appreciation of 10 years of service, 1999
• City of Rochester Proclamation from Mayor Bill Johnson in recognition of Sue’s

dedication to the community, 1999

• Heart of MOCHA Award, 2002
• ESPA Community Service Award, 2006
• City of Rochester Proclamation from Mayor Bob Duffy in recognition of Sue’s

accomplishments and achievements, 2006

• Embrace Life Award from Doing the Positive Thing for her work in raising awareness

of HIV/AIDS, 2013

Series II: Pat Cloonan, 1986-1993

Scope and Contents

This series consists of papers collected by Pat Cloonan,

Rochester, New York based LGBTQ advocate. The materials

date between 1986 and 1993. The materials consists of event

programs and newspaper articles.

The topics covered in the newspaper articles are the NAMES

Project Memorial Quilt and gay rights marches. The series

contains programs for the “Gay Games” and “Let Freedom

Ring”

Biographical / Historical

Involved with Dignity-Integrity Rochester, volunteered for the

Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley.

Conditions Governing Access:

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this

collection.

Conditions Governing Use:

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is held by the Rochester Public Library. Copyright

of the papers may be held by the authors’, or authors’ heirs or

assigns. Researchers must obtain written permission of the

holder[s] of copyright and the Rochester Public Library before

publishing quotations from materials in the collection. Most

box 1

Guide to the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley Collection 2017.028

– Page 9-

papers may be copied in accordance with the library’s usual

procedures unless otherwise specified.

Processing Information:

Processing Information

This series was arranged alphabetically by folder title. The

folder titles are the original folder titles.

Title/Description Instances

“Gay Games II” official program, August 1986 box 1 folder 22

“Let Freedom Ring” program, October 10, 1987 box 1 folder 23

Newspaper article on AIDS Quilt, 1992 box 1 folder 24

Newspapers on gay rights marches, 1987, 1993 box 1 folder 25-26