Who We Are & What We Do
Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we act as a voice for LGBTQ+ seniors (50+) in the greater Rochester area. Although a new organization, as of 2020, our roots go back through many iterations of LGBTQ+ senior groups in Rochester. Some members today belonged to earlier groups like OMEGA, which evolved into Rainbow Seniors, Rainbow SAGE, and finally, SAGE Rochester under the Out Alliance umbrella. When COVID-19 caused the Out Alliance to suspend operations, a core of former SAGE leaders returned to an “independent” agency model to ensure that seniors are always the highest priority. We operate as an incorporated, independent 501c3 nonprofit: Rainbow Seniors ROC Inc.
As we work to improve the quality of life for older LGBTQ+ adults, we also build relationships with the aging service sector, fostering improved understanding for healthcare providers and other audiences about the needs of older LGBTQ+ people. We promote positive images of LGBTQ+ life in later years and encourage seniors to “Live Vibrantly at Every Age”.
Mission
Rainbow Seniors ROC is dedicated to embracing, celebrating, supporting, and advocating for the diverse needs of older LGBTQ+ adults. We strive to promote the highest quality of life for this community at every age, fostering equity, inclusivity, and dignity.
Vision
At Rainbow Seniors ROC, we envision a vibrant community where older adults thrive, connected, engaged, and supported. We see a future where every individual can live their best life, regardless of age, with access to inclusive programs, social services, and meaningful activities that foster mutual respect, understanding, and a sense of belonging.
Values
Inclusivity
We value diversity and promote a culture of inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities.
Respect
We believe in treating every individual with dignity and respect, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Empowerment
We empower senior lgbtq+ adults to live their best lives, providing access to resources, support, and opportunities that promote independence and well-being.
Compassion
We approach every interaction with compassion, empathy, and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges and experiences of senior lgbtq+ adults.
Collaboration
We value partnerships and collaborations that promote the well-being and quality of life for senior lgbtq+ adults, working together to create a supportive and inclusive community.
Meet the Team
Anne Tischer
Founder and Programs Director
Anne Tischer is a dedicated LGBTQ+ community advocate with extensive experience supporting older adults. As the volunteer SAGE Coordinator at the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley, she revitalized programming for LGBTQ+ seniors after the organization faced financial challenges in 2015. With a BS in Health Science focusing on Chemical Dependency Counseling, Anne's professional background includes chronic care Medicaid work, counseling, and geriatric care management. Her decades of LGBTQ+ activism include co-founding Rochester's Marriage Equality chapter, facing arrest for LGBTQ+ rights, and receiving numerous community leadership awards. In 2020, she founded Rainbow Seniors ROC to continue supporting LGBTQ+ older adults. Anne lives with Bess Watts, her spouse of 20 years and partner of 34 years.
Charles Lytle
President
Charlie has been an integral part of Rochester's LGBTQIA+ community since 2000, when he joined AIDS Rochester Inc. After his time at ARI, he transitioned to the University of Rochester where he served as a trainer and educator for various HIV harm reduction programs. Charlie's dedication to community service is evident through his extensive board participation with organizations including the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley (GAGV), Mocha, the Rochester Area Task Force on AIDS (RATFA), and the original Rainbow Seniors. His wealth of experience and commitment to advocacy make him uniquely qualified for his current leadership role. Charlie considers it an honor to be part of Rainbow Seniors ROC, continuing his legacy of service to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Rev. Marvin W. Krieger
Cory Cummings, PhD., LCSW
Board Member
Cory is an active member of the LGBTQIAS+ community in Rochester and an assistant professor of social work at Nazareth College. Along with his work with Rainbow Seniors ROC, Cory also enjoys singing and dancing with the Rochester Gay Men's Chorus, despite his two left feet. Part of Cory's scholarship involves research supporting the needs and celebrating the accomplishments of LGBTQIAS+ adults as we age.
Mary Brett
Board Member
Always having loved older adults and an interest in society and aging, Katy has spent the last 30 years in the Aging Services program administration, developing and managing programs for older adults and care partners. At Lifespan of Greater Rochester since 2016, she oversees caregiver services and directs the Finger Lakes Caregiver Institute, which provides programs, services, and support to care partners of older adults in Monroe County and the Finger Lakes region. Katy has a long history of being engaged as a volunteer with LGBTQ+ organizations and has been facilitating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training for over 25 years.
Keith Jensen
Board Member
Mary is a Rochester native who spent 30 years in the San Francisco Bay Area before returning to her hometown. With a Master's in Social Work from SUNY Albany, Mary has dedicated her life to advocating for social justice, particularly for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Her passions extend beyond social work to the Grateful Dead, baseball, and standing up for what she believes in - as evidenced by her impressive federal and state arrest record.(;-))
Katy Allen
Board Member
Keith joined the Rainbow Seniors ROC board after completing the United Way of Greater Rochester’s PRIDE leadership development program in 2022. Keith has a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Rochester (’16), and a Juris Doctorate from the University at Buffalo School of Law (’21). In law school, Keith was the Vice President of OUTlaw, and he worked as a student attorney in civil rights litigation. Keith’s legal experience also includes public benefits litigation, elder law, disability law, and health law. In his spare time, Keith enjoys listening to music, dancing, running, playing tennis, photography, and being outdoors.
Scott Fearing
Board Member
A Rochesterian since 2006, Scott began his LGBTQ+ activism in 1985, where he focused on HIV/AIDS. In 1993, he expanded his community organizing, lobbying, and education efforts while working for OutFront Minnesota. In Rochester, he worked at the Out Alliance from 2007-2018, first as Education Director and then as Executive Director. He currently works at the University of Rochester, coordinating Safe Space trainings for the Human Resources department.
Averill Kelley
Board Member
Dr. Averill Kelley is an Assistant Professor of Social Studies Education in partnership with African and African American Studies at the State University of New York at Brockport. Before moving to Rochester, Averill was a high school social studies educator in Southern Nevada. Averill’s research interests are at the intersection of social studies education and diversifying the teaching pipeline. Dr. Kelley helped develop a new major in social studies teacher education program in Adolescence Education with an emphasis is Africana Studies and Social Studies Education. Averill is the principal investigator for the Brockport Teacher Opportunity Corp II, which aims to recruit, retain, and support teachers of Color into the teaching profession. Dr. Kelley received his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a teaching major in Social Studies from the University of Nevada, Reno, a Master of the Art in Teaching at Marygrove College, and his doctorate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Cultural Studies, International Education, and Multicultural Education.
Carol Thompson, EA
Board Member
Finance Board Member, Rainbow Seniors ROC
Carol W. Thompson brings over four decades of financial expertise to her role as Finance Board member of Rainbow Seniors ROC. As an Enrolled Agent, she has prepared income taxes since 1979 and has been teaching continuing education for more than 35 years, sharing her knowledge with thousands of tax professionals across 22 states through her acclaimed seminars.
Carol is an active member of both the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) and the California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA). Her distinguished career has been recognized with prestigious honors, including Enrolled Agent of the Year by CSEA, the Excellence in Public Awareness Award from NAEA, and Excellence in Education by the NAEA Education Foundation - National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI).
With extensive media experience spanning television, radio, and print, Carol has appeared on the IRS Web-TV program Tax Talk Today and ABC's Good Morning America. She has been interviewed and featured in prominent publications, including Newsweek, Accounting Today, Smart Money, Money Magazine, and Kiplinger's, among many others.
As a Graduate Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute, Carol served on the faculty for many years, further demonstrating her commitment to professional education and excellence. Her deep understanding of financial matters and dedication to community service make her a valuable asset to Rainbow Seniors ROC's mission.
