Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published August 16, 2018.

Where are you originally from? How did you end up in Rochester at this time in your life?

I grew up in Rochester in the 19th Ward. I moved to Greece right before high school. I attended the University of Rochester for undergrad, then moved to Baltimore. After that, I lived in Boston for awhile and did my master’s at Northeastern before returning to Rochester for a job at a local university. My whole family was here, and there’s always that Rochester pull.

Currently, I work in alumni relations and love hearing other people’s stories. Alumni regale me with their tales of campus days, and it’s amazing what people will open up and tell you when you really listen. I’m also working on my PhD in Higher Education.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

The walkability. The people. Being so close to the lake and the river. The lake is my place, whether I’m in a good or a bad space. Not being able to see the other side brings out the dreamer in me.

What are some of your favorite/secret Rochester spots? 

Behind a parking lot at the University of Rochester, there’s this perfect view of the city skyline framed by the Frederick Douglass/Susan B. Anthony Bridge. It’s so peaceful there.

What's the most unique event you've attended in Rochester? 

I love Pride! It’s my favorite event. I also enjoy all the art shows; I’m very into photography. Oktoberfest in Irondequoit is awesome. I like to go to places that I’ve never been before; it can be scary, though--as a trans woman, I’m never sure how I’ll be received. Events like Pride give me a great sense of belonging. So many other organizations, like RYP and Roc City Coalition, contribute to that too.

What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support? 

The Out Alliance--I love the work they do. The Center for Youth is doing very important work as well. I’m on the Advisory Board of Roc City Coalition, and they’re awesome. Another great one is Willow, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence. So many individuals here will lend their voice to the causes they care about. That’s the reason we have so many fantastic nonprofits in Rochester--people care so much here.

If you had $100 and had to spend it all in one day in Rochester, what would you do? 

I’d probably take all my friends to The Little. $100 is like a fortune in Rochester! If I could see any movie there, I’d love to see the Life of Pi on the big screen again. It’s a great tale full of vivid colors.

What's your favorite neighborhood in the city? 

I love NOTA, Park Ave, and the South Wedge. For me, as a trans woman, it’s all about safety. I’ve spent a lot of time studying at Equal Grounds, and on the UR campus as a PhD student, so those areas of the city are favorites for me.

What's the best place to get a garbage plate? 

I’m not as much of a garbage plate person since my transition, and I probably have far too many memories of nights at Nick Tahou’s, but when I am sending folks to try a garbage plate for the first time, I always send them to the OG. Red Fern’s is good too.

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

I enjoy it til about February, then I need to get out for a little bit. I’ll go sledding, go for a walk, or take some photos. You just have to know when your mental health requires you to take a break--even if it’s just a short road trip to D.C. Outdoor fires are amazing when you can find them. And pet a dog!

What is your favorite Rochester memory?

I was an athlete for a long time, so I have fond memories of sunny fall days and the bonds our team had. My coming out party is another great memory. I was so scared that no one would come, and 50 people came! Any time I’ve been sailing on Lake Ontario is a good one too, even if some of those adventures got a little bit scary--like the time we went out on a windy October day and had no business being the only sailboat on the water. Luckily we executed a risky maneuver that almost tipped the boat over and somehow managed to get back to shore.

What makes Rochester unique?

I’ve lived in a few different cities, and I think what makes Rochester different is the eye contact. People look up and say hello here. There’s a genuine friendliness of people here.

What do you think could be improved?

We’re a very segregated city. We struggle with pouring resources into the things that need it most. No one wants to spend on education or affordable housing because “it’s not practical.” We have to invest in people and plan for that investment to pay off and make Rochester a better place.

What are some small ways we can all get involved with making Rochester a better place? 

Volunteering with an organization you’re passionate about. Everyone has something they’re passionate about here. You can make a difference in someone’s life just by showing up.

I’ve really gotten involved in Rochester since I transitioned. Transitioning allowed me to see doors I had never seen before. I had my head in a cloud for so long. Afterwards, I got involved with volunteering and advocacy work in the community. Rochester helped me and now I want to give back. I feel fortunate and thankful that Rochester and the community were there for me when I needed it.

If Rochester was a person, who would it be? 

Muhammad Ali--he was a strident fighter for civil rights who spoke his mind. He always had a lot going against him, but every time, he always got up off the mat and kept fighting.

What advice would you give to people who are new to Rochester and looking to get to know the area?

Get involved. Go volunteer. Take a day trip. People are very willing to share their awesome secret places that they love, so go there! And also, go to that bar or that part of the city that someone says you shouldn’t go to. Rochester is full of surprises.

Any final thoughts?

Community has meant so much to me here in Rochester. I’m fortunate to have found community support. The amount of people who, on numerous occasions, have said to me, “Hey, I’ve got your back” has made a huge difference in my life.