In Our Own Voices grew from the efforts of three social action groups: the Feminist Action Network (FAN), Sisters and Brothers in the Life (SABIL), and the Gay Men of Color Alliance (GMOCA). Later, they were joined by the Social Justice Center. These organizations came together initially to encourage other human and civil rights groups to broaden their agendas to include the issues that affect LGBT people of color. Today, In Our Own Voices is an autonomous organization dedicated to addressing the many needs of the LGBT community.