Say it Loud! BIPOC* Pride in June at Washington Park with In Our Own Voices, Inc.

20 YEARS OF SAY IT LOUD! BIPOC* PRIDE

A Pride Event by In Our Own Voices, Inc.

In a region that told us we were too much, too different, and too loud, In Our Own Voices, Inc. answered back by being exactly who we are: out loud, in love, and in community. For 20 unapologetic years, Say It Loud! BIPOC* Pride has carved out sacred space for LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Because our lives require culturally specific care, protection, and healing.

In Our Own Voices, Inc. knows how systemic unemployment, medical racism, transphobia, homophobia, housing instability, and criminalization strips our communities of safety, access, and dignity. We live at the perilous intersections of race, gender, sexuality, poverty, and state violence. This is exactly why Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride is necessary.

For two decades, Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride has been a lifeline disguised as a celebration. While the music plays, IOOV delivers life-saving health screenings, HIV testing, mental health support, harm reduction resources, housing navigation, food access, employment connections, and direct pathways to care. We meet our people where they are: without shame, judgment, and compromise.

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

2026 PERFORMERS

Big Freedia

Queen Diva

The larger-than-life ambassador of New Orleans bounce music, Big Freedia is a nationally recognized hip-hop artist, TV personality, and cultural force. Known as the “Queen Diva,” she is a proud advocate for racial justice, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ rights, bringing her unmistakable voice and energy to audiences worldwide.

She continues to push musical boundaries with projects like Central City (2023) and her gospel debut Pressing Onward (2025), a deeply personal album featuring Billy Porter, Tamar Braxton, and K. Michelle. Her voice has powered major hits including Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning “Break My Soul” and “Formation,” as well as collaborations with Drake, Lizzo, Lil Wayne, and Ciara.

Beyond music, Big Freedia is a dynamic entrepreneur and media personality. She starred in Big Freedia Bounces Back and Big Freedia Means Business, authored the memoir God Save The Queen Diva, and has been recognized on Ebony’s Power 100. From the Met Gala red carpet to national television appearances, she remains an influential and trailblazing presence in culture.

Jennifer Holliday

Jennifer Holliday was always destined to move the world with her voice.

Discovered at 17 by a touring dancer from A Chorus Line, she was flown to New York, where she earned her first Broadway role at 19 in Your Arms Are Too Short to Box With God.

Her career soared when director Michael Bennett cast her as Effie White in Dreamgirls (1981), a role that would define a generation. Now, 45 years since the Tony Award-winning debut of Dreamgirls, Holliday’s performance remains iconic. She earned both a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and a Grammy® for the unforgettable “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

Still performing worldwide, Holliday is also a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, mental health awareness, and the MS Society.

Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra

THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO

BECOME A VENDOR at BIPOC* Pride

Our Health & Wellness Expo is a cornerstone of Say It Loud! BIPOC* Pride, connecting our community to life-saving resources, culturally responsive care, and trusted providers. We rely on the support of organizations, individuals, and businesses to reach as many people as possible.

Your participation in the Health & Wellness Expo allows you to reach participants who would not have otherwise accessed your services. To join us as a vendor, please download the fillable PDF and email a completed copy to pride@inourownvoices.org by May 15, 2026.

DOWNLOAD THE VENDOR FORM

A BIG GAY MARKET

For small businesses and makers:

Say it Loud! BIPOC* Pride 2026 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

AN INVITATION TO STAND WITH US

Become a Partner of Say it Loud! BIPOC* Pride

For 20 years, Say It Loud! BIPOC* Pride has been a living declaration that our lives are sacred, our joy is necessary, and our futures are worth funding. And for 28 years, In Our Own Voices, Inc. has built culturally rooted solutions where systems failed: in housing, health, employment, advocacy, youth development, and healing. This is the work your sponsorship makes possible.

When you sponsor Say It Loud! BIPOC* Pride, you align your brand with:

Transgender and gender-expansive survival
Youth safety and workforce pathways
Housing stability and economic justice
Healthcare access and harm reduction
Food security and mental health support

As public funding shrinks, misinformation grows, and safety becomes conditional, your investment turns into tangible infrastructure for care. To learn more and become an official Say it Loud! BIPOC* Pride partner, please download the Partnership Booklet below and return it to In Our Own Voices by April 15, 2026.

DOWNLOAD THE BIPOC* PRIDE PARTNERSHIP BOOKLET

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Diamond Partner

Platinum Partners

Become a Volunteer

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 download the form below and return it to Vanessa at vgonzalez@inourownvoices.org. For any questions please use the aforementioned email or call (518) 432 4188.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Contact Us

Questions? Concerns? Compliments? Reach out to Taina Suarez at tsuarez@inourownvoices.org or call (518) 432-4188.