In Our Own Voices

In Our Own Voices is the flagship regional nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural, and economic survival and growth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer People of Color and their families across the Capital Region and throughout Upstate New York. Established in 1998 by a committed collective of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian queer leaders, the agency was formed to address systemic inequities in healthcare, housing, and social services by creating an autonomous, culturally grounded institution operated by and for LGBTQ+ communities of color.

Operating from its community center headquarters on historic Lark Street in Albany, the organization provides a wide spectrum of direct services designed to foster personal autonomy, emotional well-being, and community wellness. The agency’s health equity division delivers free, confidential rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing, harm reduction counseling, and dedicated healthcare linkage. Care coordinators work closely with clients to overcome barriers to primary care, access gender-affirming medical providers, obtain safer sex supplies, and enroll in state health benefit programs. The agency also operates an emergency assistance fund that provides short-term financial grants for rent, utilities, food, and emergency transportation to stabilize households facing acute economic crises.

A vital cornerstone of the organization is its comprehensive Anti-Violence and Domestic Violence Victim Services program. Serving as a trusted resource for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, hate violence, and stalking, the agency operates a confidential support line and delivers individualized crisis intervention. Trained advocates assist survivors with emergency shelter placement, legal navigation, court accompaniment, safety planning, and trauma-informed peer support, ensuring that queer victims of color receive dignified, validating, and culturally competent care.

The organization also serves as a major cultural and civic anchor in the Capital Region. Each summer, the agency produces the annual Capital District BIPOC Pride celebration, bringing together thousands of residents, community organizations, and artists for multi-day cultural festivities, youth events, and community wellness fairs. In addition, the organization hosts Jazz in July, a signature annual cultural gathering that showcases local musical talent and raises essential funding for grassroots direct services. Staff members regularly deliver specialized training and technical assistance to municipal agencies, hospital networks, universities, and law enforcement departments to eliminate institutional bias and improve service delivery for LGBTQ+ people of color.

Individuals seeking confidential assistance, health screenings, or anti-violence advocacy can visit the Lark Street center during regular weekday hours or contact the direct support line. Multipurpose meeting rooms are also open for community groups, recovery meetings, and grassroots organizing circles. Community members and institutional allies can support the organization’s ongoing work by participating in public advocacy campaigns, attending cultural celebrations, or making charitable contributions to sustain vital programs for LGBTQ+ people of color across New York State.