IOOV is excited to announce our 16th Annual- Say it Loud! Black & Latin@ Gay Pride Celebration! Black & Latin@ Gay Pride is an opportunity to highlight the presence and contributions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer + People of Color in the Capital Region. Check out the website for information, resources, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, and additional ways in which you can get involved in this amazing event! Hope to see you there…
Join us as we celebrate 16 years of Say It Loud! Black & Latin@ Gay Pride with a month full of events and activities centered around the lives, experiences, and contributions of LGBTQ People of Color in the Capital Region (and beyond)!
We will offer COVID safe in-person events featuring music, spoken word, dance, comedy, poetry, community forums, performances, and more!
Aja LaBeija, known simply as Aja Oshun during her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race, is a rapper, drag artist and a member of the Royal House of LaBeija, the drag family known for its presence in the ballroom community. Aja is the mother of the drag family “The Haus of Aja”. with Drag Race alumni Dahlia Sin & Kandy Muse She competed on the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3. Last year Aja came out as a Trans Woman stating “ I am ready to affirm myself and be in the body that I feel most comfortable in.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, East New York by a Haitian single Mother, Jewel The Gem is an Activist, Entertainer, Reality Show Star & Entrepreneur. She is a Black Queer abolitionist and freedom fighting Femme for Black lives. A Social Justice Organizer for the rights of Black women, girls, femmes and for the transgender + gender non-conforming community. Her captivating appeal and love of liberation makes her one of the most dynamic and unforgettable people you’ll ever meet.
London Jae Precise, CEO and Mother of The House of Precise Inc., a non profit building shelters for homeless youth in the Hudson Valley, Precise Nation & Gay Politics. Originally from Brooklyn, growing up in both the NYC Ballroom scene & Albany Social scene, On her own at a young age, London built up the courage to follow her dreams of becoming an entertainer, a world leader and community servant. London has worked for many Health Care agency’s, including founding her own, with a passion in assisting youth and young adults live safe and healthy lives. With several pageant titles, a N.Y. headlining status and 3 weekly shows including the Legendary Stonewall Inn (NYC) & Rocks ( Albany,NY), London continues to create a meaningful impact on the lives of many. Her #1 goal is to help build equity in black and brown communities, to implement structures of unity, love, acceptance leading to success. Enjoy her Beyoncé impersonation or her heartfelt live vocals! London is a mother of many, a trustworthy individual with the willingness to help those in need & a powerhouse on the stage.
For more info follow her on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitch
@londonjaeprecise | www.thehouseofprecise.com
Born and raised in NYC, DJ Jeminii grew up in a house where a variety of music was always being played – helping him to develop an ear and appreciation for music at an early age. When DJ Jeminii decided to pursue DJing as a career, he had help from The Original Spindarella (formally of Salt n Pepa), as well as local DJ’s from NY. After making a name for himself DJing private events it would only be a matter of time before he was catching the attention of promoters, organizations, and nightclubs. Over the last few years DJ Jeminii has played at many events, including: NYC Pride, an after party for a Jay-Z concert at Yankee Stadium, Video Release events, Grand Openings of stores and fitness centers, college events, and New Year parties at The Dugout (across from Yankee Stadium). DJ Jeminii has traveled the country doing what he loves, DJing in cities in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida. DJ Jeminii mixes have been featured on Chili Lover Radio (where he has been an affiliate since 2011), Promodj’s.com, iTunes, Housemixes.com, and more. Some of DJ Jeminii’s influences include Jazzy Jeff, Tiesto, Funk Master Flex, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, and DJ Chuckie.
Hallison was born and raised in a small town in the northern part of Brazil, and relocated to upstate New York as a teenager. While a new language and culture presented challenges in his new home, he quickly found his love for music, dance, and theater was a universal language. Hallison dove into music theory and would experiment with producing, arranging, and writing on his iPhone at home as a therapeutic way to help cope with his trauma and mental illness around the age of 17. Hallison enjoys making music about love, good/bad relationships and past experiences that has helped him get through difficult chapters. He is eager to continue learning and growing. Art/ Music gives Hallison the endurance to face challenges, his goal is to inspire others who relate.
DJ Lovely Candela brings luscious melodic tracks to the dance floor. Born in Queens and raised in the Capital Region, they love sharing fresh and familiar sounds with community. You can catch them around the 518 spinning and inviting folks to groove it out.
Mor’Glamazon is a queen of the people. When Political activism became unsafe in her every day life she turn to performance art. She hopes that people see that her Drag is serving black excellence in every sense of the word.
Johron Lee is a singer/songwriter from Albany New York currently living in the Brooklyn area while he readies his 3rd EP Spare Me. Check out his latest ep V.H.S available on streaming platforms. His style is a mixture between, Prince, Lenny Kravitz & Rihanna. His music is very Pop R&B, and is inspired by the golden age of music arts and television (which to him is the 1980’s).
In addition to providing an enjoyable and safe space for our attendees during our Pride event, our primary objective is to link our community to LGBT inclusive, sensitive, and affirming resources through our Health & Wellness Expo. In order to reach as many individuals as possible, we request your support as a Health & Wellness Expo vendor this year.
Your participation in the Health & Wellness Expo will allow your organization to reach participants who may not have otherwise been able to access necessary resources or services. We rely on the support of organizations, individuals, and businesses for the success of this event and we are counting on your participation!
You register 1 of 2 ways:
Please download PDF and email the completed form to info@inourownvoices.org or use the Google Doc to complete registration.
In Our Own Voices is not only committed to raising awareness to the issues facing the LGBT POC community but also the agencies, organizations and businesses who support them. We sincerely look forward to your participation and encourage you to act fast as available spaces are limited. Financial assistance is available if the cost will keep your organization from participating!
Please contact (518) 432-4188 or email info@inourownvoices.org if you have any questions. Thank you again for your consideration. Your support does not go unnoticed!
Show your support of the vibrant and rapidly growing LGBTQ+ People of Color community by joining the growing list of Black & Latin@ Gay Pride Sponsors. To become an official sponsor please download the Sponsorship Booklet below and return to IOOV, or use the Google Form to complete your registration.
Show your support of the vibrant and rapidly growing LGBTQ+ People of Color community by joining the growing list of Black & Latin@ Gay Pride Sponsors including:
This event would not be possible without the generosity and time of volunteers. Please consider volunteering at one of the many events we have scheduled throughout the month.
If you are interested, please download the form below and return it to Vanessa at vgonzalez@
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Shadey Mercado-Perez at