YOU’RE INVITED!

TO SAY IT LOUD! BIPOC* PRIDE 2024

 

In Our Own Voices, Inc. is celebrating Pride in June with a month full of events and activities centered around the lives, experiences, and contributions of LGBTQIA+ Communities of Color in New York’s Capital Region (and beyond).

Join us for an empowering event where our communities can imagine what is possible, work in solidarity, and “Say it Loud!”

*Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

SEE ALL OF OUR PRIDE MONTH EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: THE BIPOC* PRIDE 2024 MAIN EVENT IS ON  SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH 12PM-5PM @ WASHINGTON PARK | ALBANY, NY

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES

LEARN MORE

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

LEARN MORE

Performer Highlights

DJ Jeminii pic option 1

DJ JEMINII (he/him)

IN OUR OWN VOICES 2024 BIPOC PRIDE DJ

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 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, college events, and more. DJ Jeminii has traveled the country doing what he loves, DJing in cities in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Florida. Some of DJ Jeminii’s influences include Jazzy Jeff, Tiesto, Funk Master Flex, David Guetta, Steve Aoki, and DJ Chuckie.

ZARRIA DAVENPORT (she/her)

IN OUR OWN VOICES 2023-2024 AMBASSADOR

Zarria Aurora Davenport originally hails from New York City and now calls Albany home. With over a decade of performance experience, Zarria has garnered numerous accolades, such as Miss Gay Elmira 2023, 2023 Halloween Ambassador for In Our Own Voices and Discover Albany, and National ShowGirl At Large New York 2024. Beyond the spotlight, Zarria’s passion lies in uplifting and celebrating Black and Latino culture. As an Afro-Latina herself, she takes pride in representing her heritage with professionalism and cultural integrity. Partnering with Anthony Johnson’s esteemed organization, Let’s Get Back to Equality, along with drag superstar and BLM activist Mor’Glamazon, and now with In Our Own Voices, Zarria remains committed to spreading messages of self-love, Black excellence, and professionalism throughout her community.

LONDON JAE PRECISE (she/her)

London Jae Precise is the CEO and Mother of The House of Precise Inc. (a non-profit building shelters for homeless youth in the Hudson Valley), Precise Nation, and 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. With several pageant titles, a NY headlining status, and 3 weekly shows including the Legendary Stonewall Inn (NYC) & Rocks (Albany), London continues to create a meaningful impact on the lives of many. Enjoy her Beyoncé impersonation or her heartfelt live vocals! London is a mother of many; for ways to support House of Precise, Inc. and all housing efforts visit www.thehouseofprecise.com @londonjaeprecise @houseofprecise on all social media platforms.

HARLEY FOXX (they/she)

This part time clown, full time foxx has been performing all their life with their professional career beginning at Disney World as a dancer and stilt-walker. Foxx started moonlighting in theatre, and their burlesque career started in 2009 at Southern Nights and Pulse Nightclub With the Les Vixens. They have also had the pleasure of performing at Vermont Burlesque Festival (2018) and Salt City Burlesque Festival (2023). Foxx is lead mistress of the Glitter Gang ‘The Vamp Vixens’ (NY/MA). Locally, she is a producer and mentor, and teaches burlesque and 1960s go-go at the Arts Center of the Capital Region (Troy, NY). You will find Foxx bringing to the stage a range of styling and iconic characters like 1920’s Charleston and Burlesque legend Josephine Baker, as well as Star Trek’s sci-fi queen, Uhura, in a 1960’s go-go Fosse number. Harley Foxx is sure to captivate you with sultry glamour and campy vintage stylings. Find their shenanigans @HarleyfoxxEntertainment.

LALA MYAIRA (she/her)

LaLa Myaira is the founder and host of the Dreyas Closet talkshow on YouTube and Facebook, where she redefines transformation one conversation at a time. A fashionista based out of Albany known mainly for her Nicki Minaj impersonations for 12 years, LaLa made her debut to drag performances in 2012 at your local bars, Waterworks and Rocks. She anticipates giving you a showstopping performance for this year’s BIPOC Pride and welcomes you all to Gag City! Her stage presence is uniquely different, with her attention to detail when it comes to fashion and a queen-like presentation. She is also the loving mother of the Kiki House junior mafia (New York chapter). Get ready, because LaLa is going to give you her spin on the Pink Friday 2 World Tour at BIPOC Pride 2024!

HALLISON SODRÉ (he/him)

Hallison was born and raised in a small town in the northern parts of Brazil (Pará) 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 despite all the odds. Hallison dove into music theory and experimented with producing, arranging, and writing on his iPhone 4s at home as a therapeutic way to get through personal difficulties in his late teens. He enjoys making music about love, good/bad relationships, and past experiences that have helped in difficult chapters in life Music grounds and gives Hallison the endurance to face challenges, and it is his goal to inspire others who relate.

TAZ DA REALIST (he/him)

Ke’lan Johnson, also known as Taz Da Realist, is a Houston-based artist who began a career in the industry in 2011. While the road to success isn’t easy, Taz has proven he is built to last. He has opened for Houston’s own J Dawg and Z-Ro, as well as BlueFace, Ken The Man, NLE Choppa, Stunna 4 Vegas, and more! While delivering bar for bar punchlines, Taz brings a special energy to each song with influences such as Nipsey Hussle and NBA YoungBoy. He has been a part of community drives to provide for his city through the TeddiTuesdayPodcast & Foundation, and is an advocate for the Trans community. His latest single, Rewind, resonated with Trans communities across the world and even inspired a mural in New York City. Listen to his four albums, Murk Season, Social Disruption, BigDawgTalk, and his latest album T4, available now on all streaming platforms.

THEE GANGSTA QUEEN (he/him)

Thee Gangsta Queen LaRoy is an extraordinary rising-star known for being a multi-genre, heavy-hitter singer, rapper, and performance artist. A 30-year old from Donalsonville, Georgia, his style is bold, sassy, and glamorous. He has two new hit albums, including new release Going Rogue: The Movement. His music tells his story, and he hopes to inspire and empower others who can relate. His tour, The Going Rogue Tour, consists of a 20-city cross-country stop with two extra shows in Canada. Last year, he performed at BIPOC Pride and modeled and walked in the Express Your Essence fashion show. He is making waves as a proud gay artist! Instagram: @Theegangstaqueenlaroy. Music and Tour: laroymontray.com!

ULTRAVIOLET (she/her)

UltraViolet is Albany NY’s premiere bio queen. She is extremely excited to return to the BIPOC Pride stage and represent the community she loves. Ultra brings high energy, charisma and sass when she hits the stage. She found her passion in drama and dance club at Albany High School. She continued this journey and danced on Soul Train in the late 90’s. Ultra has had dance solos at the Egg, and has performed locally for many years. he developed a passion for drag during the pandemic, and decided to add this to her list of crafts! You can see her locally at Waterworks Pub, Rocks, and Margarita City. Special shoutout to IOOV and the managers of our local LGBTQA establishments. I love you all and I would not be here without you.

ISAIAH “ZAY” CASPER (he/him)

Zay is a 24 year old raised in Troy, NY, who finally found the motivation to become a full time artist. Zay is a bartender by day, and a rockstar by night. He started doing music professionally a year ago, and this is just the beginning of an amazing journey! His music has no genre because he always presents something new. Zay aspires to bring people together through music and to uplift others through his words and journey as an artist.

THE HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

BECOME A VENDOR

For organizations serving LGBTQIA+ communities:

Grab a table and help us link attendees to inclusive, sensitive, and affirming resources by registering for this year’s Health and Wellness Expo! To join us as a vendor, please download the fillable PDF below and email a completed copy to pride@inourownvoices.org by May 15th.
JOIN THE EXPO

A BIG GAY MARKET

 

For small businesses and makers:

 

Say it Loud! BIPOC Pride 2024 is proud to partner with A Big Gay Market– a healing space for marginalized makers and consumers. Grab your spot in the pop-up market by clicking below.

JOIN THE POP-UP

BIPOC Pride 2023 Event Photography by Andrew Elder, Best Fame Forward

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT, OFFICIALLY

 

Join our growing list 2024 BIPOC Pride Partners! Not only does this event celebrate our community’s strength, resilience, and contributions, it also provides linkages to vital resources and health screenings.

 

Your partnership helps us create an inclusive space and present a powerful event. To learn more and become an official BIPOC Pride 2024 partner, please download the Partnership Booklet below and return it to In Our Own Voices by May 1, 2024.

DOWNLOAD THE PARTNERSHIP BOOKLET

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 31

PRIDE Kick-Off BBQ

5:00PM – 8:30PM

Albany City Parking Lot #2 – Next to Waterworks Pub

76 Central Ave, Albany

Cost: Free

The Pride Center of the Capital Region, In Our Own Voices, and the City of Albany invite you to kick Pride Month off right with our Kick-Off BBQ and Lot Party. Enjoy a fun, casual evening with music, complimentary food, drag performances, and chances to win fun prizes. Meet up with friends, new and old, as the community kicks off the 2024 PRIDE season!

Saturday, June 8

Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride 2024

12:00PM – 5:00PM

Washington Park, Albany

Cost: Free

BIPOC Pride is our way of recognizing the contributions, resilience, and struggles of LGBTQIA + BIPOC in the Capital Region through music, food, entertainment, and more. The event features performances from local and national artists, a health & wellness expo with free resources, kids’ corner, and more… ALL ARE WELCOME!

Saturday, June 8

RuPaul’s Honey Davenport Live! @ Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride 2024 — The Official After Party

10:00PM – 4:00AM

Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave, Albany

Cost: Free, 18+

A Waterworks Pub and In Our Own Voices Event! Honey Davenport from RuPaul’s Drag Race S11 will be live at Waterworks Pub for the Official BIPOC Pride After-Party. Enjoy a night of music and dancing at Waterworks Pub with Honey, DJ Hasan and DJ Jeminii, and Albany’s best talent. (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

Tuesday, June 18

Johnnie’s on Broadway: Pride Night

7:00PM – 11:00PM

Johnnie’s on Broadway, 1278 Broadway, Albany

Cost: Free, 18+

Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ BIPOC community through Pride Night, featuring guest bartender Tandra LaGrone, CEO of In Our Own Voices! All proceeds benefit the new In Our Own Voices, Inc. LGBTQIA+ Center.

Saturday, July 27

Elements House Ball

8:00PM – 12:00AM (Show starts at 8)

Albany Capital Center; 55 Eagle St, Albany

Cost: Free, 18+

 

And the category is… the Elements! Join us as the forces of nature — water, earth, fire, air, and more — battle it out with a night of vogue, self-expression, and music. Categories include vogue, realness, best dressed spectator, and more. Come to walk the runway, or simply enjoy the show! Show up early for free and confidential HIV/HCV testing by IOOV from 6:30PM – 8:00PM.

Friday, June 14

Planetary Pride: An Out-of-this-World Substance-Free Event

6:00PM – 9:00PM

Museum of Innovation and Science, 15 Museum Drive, Schenectady

Cost: Free, 18+

Show up in your best interstellar style for Planetary Pride! Join us for a substance-free evening of great food, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium show. No alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances permitted!

Friday, July 5 and Monday July 22

Road to Elements Ball: Ballroom 101 Vogue Workshop

6:00PM – 8:00PM (Friday) and 5:00PM – 7:00PM (Monday)

247 Lark Street (Next to IOOV main office), Albany

Cost: Free

Join IOOV, Marine “Buttercup Vera Wang” Taveras, and the House of RahKen to learn all about the Ballroom and Kiki scene! In this two-part workshop, learn the basics of vogue and walk away with the confidence, skills, and FREE effects to walk the runway at the Elements House Ball. No experience necessary – beginners welcome!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 31

PRIDE Kick-Off BBQ

5:00PM – 8:30PM

Albany City Parking Lot #2 – Next to Waterworks Pub

76 Central Ave, Albany

Cost: Free

The Pride Center of the Capital Region, In Our Own Voices, and the City of Albany invite you to kick Pride Month off right with our Kick-Off BBQ and Lot Party. Enjoy a fun, casual evening with music, complimentary food, drag performances, and chances to win fun prizes. Meet up with friends, new and old, as the community kicks off the 2024 PRIDE season!

Saturday, June 8

Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride 2024

12:00PM – 5:00PM

Washington Park, Albany

Cost: Free

BIPOC Pride is our way of recognizing the contributions, resilience, and struggles of LGBTQIA + BIPOC in the Capital Region through music, food, entertainment, and more. The event features performances from local and national artists, a health & wellness expo with free resources, kids’ corner, and more… ALL ARE WELCOME!

Saturday, June 8

RuPaul’s Honey Davenport Live! @ Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride 2024 — The Official After Party

10:00PM – 4:00AM

Waterworks Pub, 76 Central Ave, Albany

Cost: Free, 18+

A Waterworks Pub and In Our Own Voices Event! Honey Davenport from RuPaul’s Drag Race S11 will be live at Waterworks Pub for the Official BIPOC Pride After-Party. Enjoy a night of music and dancing at Waterworks Pub with Honey, DJ Hasan and DJ Jeminii, and Albany’s best talent. (18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.)

Friday, June 14

Planetary Pride: An Out-of-this-World Substance-Free Event

6:00PM – 9:00PM

Museum of Innovation and Science, 15 Museum Drive, Schenectady

Cost: Free, 18+

Show up in your best interstellar style for Planetary Pride! Join us for a substance-free evening of great food, interactive exhibits, and a planetarium show. No alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances permitted!

Tuesday, June 18

Johnnie’s on Broadway: Pride Night

7:00PM – 11:00PM

Johnnie’s on Broadway, 1278 Broadway, Albany

Cost: Free, 18+

Celebrate the LGBTQIA+ BIPOC community through Pride Night, featuring guest bartender Tandra LaGrone, CEO of In Our Own Voices! All proceeds benefit the new In Our Own Voices, Inc. LGBTQIA+ Center.

Friday, July 5 and Monday July 22

Road to Elements Ball: Ballroom 101 Vogue Workshop

6:00PM – 8:00PM (Friday) and 5:00PM – 7:00PM (Monday)

247 Lark Street (Next to IOOV main office), Albany

Cost: Free

Join IOOV, Marine “Buttercup Vera Wang” Taveras, and the House of RahKen to learn all about the Ballroom and Kiki scene! In this two-part workshop, learn the basics of vogue and walk away with the confidence, skills, and FREE effects to walk the runway at the Elements House Ball. No experience necessary – beginners welcome!

Saturday, July 27

Elements House Ball

8:00PM – 12:00AM (Show starts at 8)

Albany Capital Center; 55 Eagle St, Albany

Cost: Free, 18+

 

And the category is… the Elements! Join us as the forces of nature — water, earth, fire, air, and more — battle it out with a night of vogue, self-expression, and music. Categories include vogue, realness, best dressed spectator, and more. Come to walk the runway, or simply enjoy the show! Show up early for free and confidential HIV/HCV testing by IOOV from 6:30PM – 8:00PM.

VOLUNTEERS

ALL HANDS ON DECK!

 

BIPOC Pride would not be possible without the volunteers who lend their time and talents to this work.

 

Consider volunteering at one of the many events we have scheduled throughout the month of June!

 

If you are interested, please fill out the form below as soon as possible and we’ll get in touch to confirm your volunteer position. For any questions please contact Vanessa at vgonzalez@inourownvoices.org or call 518-432-4188.
BECOME A VOLUNTEER

CONTACT US

Questions? Concerns? Compliments? Reach out to our Special Events Coordinator, Alisya Reza at areza@inourownvoices.org or call (518) 432-4188.

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