The pride was palpable and could be heard all the way from the street at In Our Own Voice’s Black and Latino Gay Pride Celebration. The Saturday afternoon event was held at Jericho Drive-In in Glenmont.
“We are often asked why black and Latino gay pride,” said In Our Own Voices CEO Tandra LaGrone. “It’s important that people understand that the LGBTQ community is not a monolithic community. There as there is diversity in the world, and there is diversity in the LGBTQ community.”
Everyone was welcome, but the purpose was to celebrate Black and Latino people who are LGBTQ+.
On its fifth anniversary, the organizers planned a moment of silence to remember and honor the victims of the Pulse night club shooting. Most were Black or Latino.
“Black and Latino gay pride is a chance for everybody to really come together and celebrate the diversity of our community and the recognition that it’s important to put the most marginalized people first,” said Angela Ledford, In Our Own Voices board treasurer.
The pressure and stigma that comes the community’s way was lifted for a moment as they reconnected.
“It feels so incredible to be here because we can be here and be ourselves and be authentic and after this incredible year of COVID, we didn’t get to do pride last year,” said attendee David Reynolds. “This is like the reconnection now that we’ve all been looking forward to.”
If the games, live performances, and freebies weren’t enough, medical professionals were also on site offering free services.
“It’s very important that everybody have equal access to health care,” said Pamela Young, a physician assistant at Albany Medical Center. “This is an opportunity for them to get some quick education, get a quick screening and ask any questions they might have.”
Jericho Drive-in owner Lisa Chenette said hosting the get together was a no brainer.
“We’re all about inclusivity here, so within reason, whoever wants to hold an event, and it’s a great time, we say come on down,” said Chenette.
Life of the party Quinn and his owner Arnelle Ullrich wanted to show up to make it known no one is alone.
“It’s important to celebrate everybody’s existence, it really is,” said Ullrich. “And these crushing times that we’ve just lived through proves to us that we need to be more open and considerate about other folks.”
For more information on future In Our Voices events, click here.
