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June 5, 2024LGBTQIA+ Organizations Come Together for Pride Flag Raising in Troy
The City of Troy kicked off Pride Month with the raising of the Pride flag at Riverfront Park in Downtown Troy led by Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello and Deputy Mayor Seamus Donnelly.
The flag raising, coordinated by In Own Own Voices (“IOOV”), the only center within the Capital Region serving the LGBTQIA+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community, and the Capital Pride Center, the oldest continuously operating LGBTQ community center in the country, is now in its third year within the Collar City.
Additionally, Starletta Renee, executive director of 
the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Meagon Nolasco from Collar City Pride, and other community leaders were also on hand.
IOOV was awarded $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding by the City of Troy. The funding was matched with $50,000 from the Troy Redevelopment Foundation to support a new collaboration between In Our Own Voices and the YWCA of the Greater Capital Region. The satellite office will offer employment services, anti-violence and emergency aid, support for survivors of domestic abuse, health screenings, and youth programming will be located in the City of Troy. The satellite office is set to open later this summer.
“We are so excited to begin connecting with more of our LGBTQIA+ BIPOC community in Troy,” said Tandra LaGrone, CEO of In Our Own Voices. “With more support, funding, and awareness, we can continue to build on the experiences and services that we can bring our community.”
IOOV will continue Pride celebrations throughout June including their 18th annual Say It Loud! BIPOC Pride festival on Saturday, June 8 from noon to 5 p.m. in Albany’s Washington Park. This free, family-friendly event celebrates and recognizes the contributions, resilience, and struggles of LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals and families in the Capital Region.
Attendees can enjoy live entertainment from a lineup of talented performers, featuring Brooklyn-based headliner singer/songwriter INIKO. There will also be a Kids Corner with activities including a bouncy house, petting zoo, and arts and crafts. IOOV will also provide attendees with an enjoyable and safe space while linking the community to inclusive, sensitive, and affirming resources through their Health and Wellness Expo.
IOOV will be hosting additional opportunities to celebrate Pride, such as their annual House Ball, Planetary Pride, which is a substance-free event, at the Museum of Innovation and Science, and their Jazz in July annual fundraising gala.
