In Our Own Voices

06/19/2026

Empowering the next generation of leaders is at the core of what we do.

🗣️ That's why we're so proud to announce that the recipient of the 2026 Ken Screven Trailblazer Award is Cyren Romeo, the Founder of A Big Gay Market:

A fierce voice for visibility and justice, Cyren is carving new paths for economic power in LGBTQ+ BIPOC communities. Through the creation of Big Gay Market, Cyren has transformed public space into a platform for Q***r and Trans People of Color to thrive creatively, build community wealth, and shift culture.

☄️ Cyren, thank you for your commitment to being trailblazing in every sense of the word. We can't wait to celebrate you!

Community, join us for our annual gala on Saturday, July 25 at Loft 433 in Troy, NY with live performances by Nicholas Horace and Tom Ryberg 🎹

🎟️ Get a seat at jazzinjuly2026.eventbrite.com!

06/19/2026

Happy Freedom Day ✊🏾

Today, we're celebrating Juneteenth. And as one of the longest running LGBTQIA+ organizations that serves Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in the nation, we're proud that our work empowers our communities to live authentically.

Our office may be closed today, but we'll be back next week to continue to create freedom and independence for all.

06/18/2026

Happening NOW: Pride Night at Social on Central 🥂🎧

This extra special PRIDE night will feature a live DJ, drink specials, and fantastic vibes all night at 337 Central Ave in .

A portion of drink sales will be donated to IOOV, so we can continue the work of supporting our communities all year long 🙌🏾

06/18/2026

Alt Prom: The Velvet Ball 🪩

We're excited to once again partner with the Pride Center of the Capital Region for the annual Alt Prom, an event they have proudly hosted for over 21 years!

For young people under the age of 19: Join us for a fun-filled and affirming evening for LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.

This year's Red Velvet Ball draws inspiration from Y2K alternative culture, featuring emo, pop-punk, and alternative hits alongside today’s favorites. Centered on creativity, self-expression, and connection, this is a space rooted in community, joy, and freedom. Come celebrate as your full self!

🎟️ Get your ticket here: https://capitalpridecenter.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F43743

Saturday, June 20 | 5-8pm | Armory Studios - 125 Washington Ave, Schenectady, NY

06/18/2026

Pride month is the perfect time to take control of your sexual health 💪🏾

So we're inviting women and non-binary femme presenting folks to be proud and get tested with us at a free, confidential event next week!

We'll also provide additional resources and gift card incentives when you test with us 💸

YWCA of the Greater Capital Region (21 1st Street, Troy, NY)
Wednesday, June 24 | 1-4pm

06/17/2026

Tomorrow: Pride Night at Social on Central 🥂🎧

This extra special PRIDE night will feature a live DJ, drink specials, and fantastic vibes all night at 337 Central Ave in .

Besides, a portion of drink sales will be donated to IOOV, so we can continue the work of supporting our communities all year long 🙌🏾

06/17/2026

06/17/2026

We're so grateful for the support and opportunity to serve our beautiful community! 💜

06/14/2026

Our staff worked HARD to make the 20th Anniversary: Say it Loud! BIPOC* Pride 🏳️‍🌈🙌🏾 a success 💪🏾

So IOOV offices will be closed this week (June 15-19) to give staff a little rest and respite before coming back stronger for the rest of the month!

And we have a lot more in store, including:

✨ Pride Night at Social on Central, Pride Happy Hour Mixer at the Whiskey Pickle, and Pride Under the Stars at Greenville Drive Inn
🪩 Alt Prom: The Velvet Ball
🌠 Substance-free Pride: Tarot Under the Stars

See the full June calendar here: https://ioov.org/event-calendar/

06/13/2026

Rise and shine, buttercups! Today’s the day we celebrate 20 years of Say it Loud! BIPOC Pride 🌞

It's always Pride at IOOV, but this one's extra special and dare we say, the biggest one yet?!

We got:

Three headliners: , , and Alex Torres & His Latin Orchestra 💥

Nine local superstars and the best DJ and MC, and 🗣️

More than 50 trusted health care providers, so you can get head-to-toe screenings all at no cost (in this economy!!)

See you so soon 😎
Today, June 13 at noon
📍Washington Park,

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P.S.: Cucu, keep the festivities going with us tonight at the official after-party at with 😉

Cost: $15, 21+ // $20, 18+