Anne Tischer & Bess Watts

Bess founded the Rochester-Finger Lakes Chapter of Pride at Work AFL-CIO and served in leadership at local and state levels As a champion of union rights, she not only stood up for LGBTQ+ rights but the rights of all workers In an era where LGBTQ+ strikers stood separately from the rest, Bess gradually gained the respect of her straight male allies over beers Eventually, they marched with her in the PRIDE parade

The moment an issue becomes personal, that’s the moment you transform into an activist. For Anne Tischer and Bess Watts, that moment came when the couple needed spousal health insurance and the same access to workplace benefits as Bess’ coworkers at Monroe Community College.

Self-proclaimed “accidental activists,” Anne and Bess’ work has impacted every aspect of LGBTQ+ life for our community and beyond, including most of us here tonight. Their tenacity to be visible and create change is why the Human Rights Campaign and the HRC Western and Central New York Steering Committee proudly present these deserving women with the Equality Advocate Award!

Anne l eft the corporate world to become a social worker. Her famous protest signs have been on the front lines of countless rallies and movements at home and abroad. She’s particularly proud of her Marriage Equality sign with the simple but powerful phrase, “It’s about love,” featured in at least 14 papers nationwide!

The activism of this tenacious duo has touched every corner of the progressive movement, from LGBTQ+ Rights and Civil Rights to Women’s Rights, Reproductive Rights, Environmental Advocacy, Occupy Rochester, Voter Registration, and more They never backed down when the answer was NO Instead, they fine-tuned their approach with the help of mentors and unexpected allies that magically showed up every step of the way

In the fight for Marriage Equality, Anne and Bess worked with the Human Rights Campaign long before the HRC Western and Central New York Steering Committee existed. Understanding the importance of fighting equality battles on many levels, they recognized when they needed help and support with the same voracity that they understood their strengths and privileges. They describe their 2004 marriage ceremony in Rochester’s Washington Square Park as a “public act of civil disobedience ”

“The fight is a gift, whether or not you live to see the fruits of your efforts. So, find a fight worth fighting. Never give up. Never give in. Never go away.”

—Anne & Bess

They continue to fight for the rights and needs of LGBTQ+ elders at Rainbow Seniors ROC, amongst other ongoing advocacy work.

“Fifteen years ago, if we knew all that we would end up doing, we never would have started,” Anne and Bess said

Together for 30 years or 29, depending on who you ask Anne and Bess show no signs of stopping!

We are grateful for their naivety because Anne and Bess are now the mentors and allies that

Let’s learn from their love and commitment to each other and our community. They are a living testament to how we are stronger together!