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Connections

Previewing local Pride celebrations and discussing the LGBTQ+ cultural scene in Rochester

Ove Overmyer, Sara Rosenfeld, and Sam Brett on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, July 6, 2022
Megan Mack
/
WXXI News
Ove Overmyer, Sara Rosenfeld, and Sam Brett on "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Rochester is gearing up for Pride Weekend. The celebration is back -- this time, led by a group called Roc Pride Collective. We preview this year's events, and discuss how the scene has evolved in Rochester over the years. For instance, CITY Magazine life editor Rebecca Rafferty recently explored the question, "Where have all the gay bars gone?"

Our guests weigh in on the LGBTQ+ cultural scene, representation, and more. Our guests:

  • Sam Brett, co-chair of ROC Pride Collective
  • Robert Crystal, vice president of the former Gay Brotherhood
  • Ove Overmyer, reporter and columnist for the Empty Closet Newspaper from 1993-2015, retired librarian for the City of Rochester, former communications director for the Civil Service Employees Association Western Region, and longtime labor union advocate
  • Sara Rosenfeld, former security officer at local LGBTQ+ bars, veteran, and school culture consultant
  • Susanna Speed, co-chair of ROC Pride Collective, and senior director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Trillium Health
Evan Dawson is the host of "Connections with Evan Dawson." He joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack is the executive producer of "Connections with Evan Dawson" and live/televised engagement programming.