Rainbow Amateur Radio Association

Purpose

Rainbow Amateur Radio Association (RARA) meets the needs of the LGBT Amateur Radio community. Our purpose is:

To promote the Amateur Radio Service
To foster friendship and goodwill
To educate members and the public about amateur radio operations, skills, and licensing
To offer 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 of the Rainbow Amateur Radio Association (RARA) is very diverse. Our club is comprised of a wide range of age groups. We have students, retirees, and those working in both technical and non-technical careers. Our members are friendly and enjoy interacting with one another.

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Activities

Rainbow Amateur Radio Association (RARA) is intended to be a "fun" club. Here are some of our events:

Several weekly on-air HF and VOIP nets
An Internet Message Board and members-only groups.io email "reflector"
Occasional operating activities
Service recognition and achievement awards
Hospitality Suites at major hamfests
Dinners/gatherings at major hamfests, including the Dayton Hamvention and the Orlando Hamcation

By joining RARA, you will join a family of good friends who share a common interest in Ham Radio and other technically related hobbies.

History

In the mid 1970's, a gay ham from 6-Land placed personal ad's in 73 magazine asking gay hams to contact him. He had responses and CW skeds on a 40M frequency was established. In the early 1980's another ham member who was gay had placed ads in the 'Advocate' and in mid-80's formed the LAMBDA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB. The ARRL refused personal ads in QST for LARC; (one was placed by mistake by the ARRL in late 80's). The Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund went to court against the ARRL on behalf of LARC. The court ruled ARRL violated Connecticut�s anti-discrimination laws and could not refuse the monthly ad.

In 1995, leadership in LARC proposed that LARC be politically aggressive for LGBT hams in general. But, the vast majority of members wanted LARC to focus on existing as a social club for gay and non-gay hams. The results were that those current LARC leaders had selected the future of the club. The many LARC members who did not agree with this direction formed the RAINBOW AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCCIATION in 1995 to operate as a social organization.

Today, the club is international in scope with about 300 members in 11 countries around the world. RARA's annual meeting is held when members gather at the Dayton Hamvention each May.