By Evelyn Bailey
In 1970, Bob Osborne, Larry Fine, Patti Evans, RJ Alcala, Karen Hagberg, Marshall Goldman, Rosanne Leipzeig, Debbie Lestz and others came together around LGBT issues and our community.
These individuals were the movers and shakers of the Gay Liberation Front at the University of Rochester. In 1973, Whitey LeBlanc (first President of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley), Jay Baker (first editor of The Empty Closet), Mark Hull (owner of the Brown Street property), and the Coordinating Council oversaw the transition of the organization from the U of R Campus to Brown Street. In 1974, the first elected officers of the GAGV were installed: Michael Robertson, Robert Crystal, William Glave, Vince DiSchino, Phil Garbus, John Cook, Howard Cullen, and Tim Mains.
Today, 42 years later, the GAGV’s Board is larger in size, diversified in experience, and comprised of LGBT people and straight allies alike: John Altieri, President; Bruce Gorman, Secretary; Carrie Vernon, Treasurer and Co-Chair of Pride; Evelyn Bailey, Chair of Shoulders to Stand On and Membership; Jason Barnecut, Chair of Finance Committee; Ralph Carter, Chair of Operating Policies and Procedures Committee and IT consultant; Sue Cowell, Executive Director; Nan Fry and Brian Hurlburt, Rainbow Sage; Michael Hardy, Chair NERP 2012; Chris Hildebrandt, Finance Committee; Emily Jones, Chair Development Committee and responsible for the 2011 $25,000 Challenge Grant and 2011 Annual Report; Jeff Markarian, Co-Chair Pride Picnic; Peter Mohr, Pride Committee and Sponsorships; Jessica Muratore, Co-Chair Strategic Planning Committee; Tom Privitere; Bill Schaefer, Co-Chair Pride Parade, Membership Committee; Joseph Searles, Co-Chair Strategic Planning Committee; Julia Green Sewruk, communications and our newest members, Steve Santacroce and David Zona.
In 1970, the shoulders of leadership gave birth to the Gay Liberation Front. In 1974, the shoulders of leadership gave birth to the GAGV. Today in 2012 the shoulders of leadership are giving birth to a more financially stable, economically viable, and community-supported agency that continues to meet the unique needs of the LGBT community of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region.
Throughout our history, the volunteer shoulders of the Board have stood up to the challenges of hatred, bigotry, discrimination and inequality, and to the challenges of our changing economic climate. The volunteer shoulders of the Board have also stood up for our rights as a community to be free and equal under the law. This remains the case today.
Shoulders To Stand On is proud to recognize the members of the 2012 GAGV Board for their energy, talent, time, and unwavering dedication and commitment to the mission of the Gay Alliance.