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.
