Jazz in July 2026: IOOV's Annual Gala

In Our Own Voices, Inc. is proud to celebrate another year of uplifting and empowering LGBTQ+ Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in New York’s Capital Region and beyond.

Jazz in July, our annual fundraiser gala, is an evening of live music, community celebration, and impact. This special event features:

• Awards Ceremony Honoring Changemakers
• Silent & Live Auctions
• VIP Reception, Wine Tastings & Gourmet Dinner

As one of the oldest LGBTQ+ organizations serving BIPOC communities, we have grown from a grassroots initiative to serving over 600,000 individuals locally and nationally. Our programs and services empower community members to amplify their voices, lead boldly, and live authentically.

The awards ceremony is a special part of the evening, recognizing those dedicated to creating a safer and more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ BIPOC individuals.

✨ Dr. Jennifer Lee, House Lives Matter – Cecilia Gentili Award
For fearless advocacy in transgender and sex worker liberation
🗨️ “Trans people are not broken. We are whole, powerful, and worthy of love and respect.” – Cecilia Gentili

✨ Hettie Barnhill, Create A Space NOW – Jasán M. Ward LGBTQ Community Advocacy Award
For advancing health equity, food justice, and transformative liberation
🗨️ “Equity is not charity—it’s restoration.” – Jasán Ward

✨ Perry Junjulas, Albany Damien Center – Harry Davis Legacy Award
For lasting contributions to public health and empowerment
🗨️ “Community is built every time we refuse to leave someone behind.” – Harry Davis

✨ Cyren, Big Gay Market – Ken Screven Trailblazer Award
For advancing LGBTQ+ BIPOC visibility and justice
🗨️ “I was never trying to be a hero. I was just trying to be heard.” – Ken Screven

✨ Regeneron – Friend of the Family Award
For unwavering allyship and support of LGBTQ+ BIPOC communities
🗨️ “The Friend of the Family Award isn’t about safe allyship—it’s about radical solidarity.” – Tandra R. LaGrone

Info: For Honorary Committee ticket holders and Awardees - enjoy early access to our auction items and an hour of complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres!

Info: The main event! Join us for live and silent auctions, an awards ceremony, and live music.

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