Rochester Chamber of Commerce Discriminates Against GAGV - In 1983

By Jackie Nudd

During the summer of 1983, the Board of Directors of GAGV decided to hold their Tenth Anniversary Dinner at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce. There was a lengthy debate as to whether the application would be approved, but it was decided to go forth with the plan. The Board consisted of members with strong convictions that it was way beyond time to move the Alliance into the mainstream Rochester Community,

To the astonishment and relief of all, the approved application was received within a very short time. Committees were formed and plans moved quickly to get tickets printed and flyers made announcing the Tenth Anniversary Dinner along with the named location where it was to be held. The whole Gay Community was abuzz that the Alliance’s Tenth Anniversary Dinner was going to be held in the ballroom of the prestigious Chamber of Commerce.