In Our Own Voices proudly presents...

As one of a handful of organizations dedicated to the health and wellbeing of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender People of Color in New York, In Our Own Voices serves a large and diverse community throughout Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Renesselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. In Our Own Voices engages in advocacy and education on a number of levels, working to ensure the voices of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People Of Color (LGBT POC) are a part of important conversations in our communities.

One of the most important and visible events In Our Own Voices hosts is Say It Loud!: Black & Latino Gay Pride. Held every year during the first weekend of June, Say It Loud! offers a variety of activities, events and entertainment to celebrate the strength and diversity of the LGBT POC community in upstate New York. Over 1300 people attended 2009’s events.

The main objective of Say It Loud! is to promote the health and well-being of the LGBT POC community. LGBT POC are the most medical underserved population in the United States. According to the Empire State Pride Agenda Needs Assessment (2009), LGBT POC experience more barriers to accessing healthcare. These barriers include the societal stigma towards LGBT and POC individuals, a lack of culturally competent medical practitioners experienced with LGBT POC needs, the absence of health insurance, and the financial strain associated with receiving routine care. As a result, LGBT POC are less likely to seek preventative healthcare services, and at a higher risk for depression, drug abuse, and other destructive behaviors.

Say It Loud! seeks to combat these issues through the Health & Wellness Expo, a gathering of health and human service providers from area organizations, which provides information and resources related to healthcare, safer sex, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, mental health and substance abuse (to name a few)! Along with providing information and resources, the Health & Wellness Expo offers HIV, high blood pressure, and diabetes screening testing. Thirty organizations tabled the Health & Wellness Expo in 2009. It is our goal is to triple the number health care providers, and include mammogram screenings in 2010.