Rainbow Amateur Radio Association GLBT Gay Lesbian

Welcome to the NEW RARA website!
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History & Operation

RARA was founded in 1995 by a group of active amateur radio operators from several regions of the United States. Today, the club is international in scope with over 135 members around the world. RARA is governed by a five-member board of directors who are elected by the membership for one-year terms. The business and administration of the organization are conducted in accordance with established principles of democracy.

Purpose

RARA was founded to meet the needs of the gay/lesbian community. Our purpose, as defined in the RARA Constitution is as follows:

To promote the Amateur Radio Service
To foster friendship and goodwill
To offer benefits, support and a sense of community to all individuals who are supportive of sexual minorities and their lifestyles, and who share a common interest in Amateur Radio.

Members

The membership in RARA is very diverse. We have members who are physicians, artists, pilots, teachers and college professors to name a few. The club has several affiliated chapters:

LARC/Golden Gate - Serving the San Francisco Bay Area with over 25 members
Sunshine Chapter - Central and South Florida
Finger Lakes Chapter - Rochester and Western New York
Lonestar Chapter - Dallas and surrounding areas
Great Lakes Chapter - Michigan, Ohio and surrounding states

The roster is confidential and distribution outside of the membership is prohibited.

Activities

RARA is definitely a "fun" club. Here are some of our events:

A monthly newsletter: The Rainbow Net News
Several weekly on-air HF nets
An ARRL certified VE team to administer licensing exams
An Internet email list ("reflector") and an online chat room
Occasional DXpeditions
Operating and achievement awards
Hospitality Suites at major Hamfests
Meetings and banquets several times each year, including the Dayton Hamvention and the Orlando Hamcation

Various members frequently entertain in their homes with dinners, Bar-b-ques, cocktails and other social activities. By joining RARA, you will join a family of good friends who share a common interest in Ham Radio and other technically related hobbies, and who also know how to have a good time.

How To Join

An amateur radio license is not required for membership (however, it IS a prerequisite for Board Members). Our mailing address is:

RARA
P.O. Box 18541
Rochester, NY 14618-0541

For more information, email our

Or if you're ready to join, complete our online membership application. Membership for individuals is $15 for one year. Companion or family memberships are $20/year per household. Processing of applications may take 30 to 45 days depending on date of submission.