Local
GLCCB names new director
Thorn moves from board position to administrative role

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Maryland (GLCCB) announced the appointment of Matthew Thorn to the role of interim executive director last week. According to a press release issued March 20, with this appointment the GLCCB’s board of directors is moving to reaffirm the role that the GLCCB plays in the LGBTQ community.
“The Board of Directors of the GLCCB feels strongly that Matt Thorn’s skills and experience will be a real benefit to the organization as its interim executive director,” said board president Mike McCarthy. “While we are sad to lose him as a board member, we are thrilled that he has stepped up to the challenge of guiding the GLCCB through what promises to be an exciting period. Matt’s devotion to the GLCCB and the greater commitment that he is showing by becoming interim executive director are going to be critical factors in the success of the GLCCB.”
Thorn has been involved with fundraising and nonprofit management. For nearly the last decade he’s worked to assist the homeless, the arts, education, the developmentally disabled and LGBT issues. He started his fundraising work with numerous local, state and federal candidates raising funds for their election campaigns through online and social media. The GLCCB’s Gary Wolnitzek, who has been serving in a director capacity after the departure of former Executive Director Craig Wiley, will retake his role as program director.
Thorn has most recently been a consultant and previously served as director of development at Equality Maryland. He resigned from that post when Equality Maryland’s former executive director Morgan Meneses-Sheets was removed by the board two years ago.
He also served as one of the national co-chairs for the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change. Thorn currently serves as a member of the Victory Fund Campaign Board and president of the steering committee for PFLAG-Howard County. Thorn is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned his bachelor’s degree in International Relations.
“I am looking forward to strengthening the Center and bringing its programs, services and outreach into the 21st century,” said Thorn. “We aim to address the epidemic rate of homeless LGBT youth, build on programming for LGBT elders and work toward transgender non-discrimination, education and upholding the laws that are currently in effect.”
World Pride 2025
D.C. liquor board extends drinking hours for WorldPride
Gay bars, other liquor-serving establishments can stay open 24 hours

D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board, which regulates liquor sales for the city’s bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments licensed to serve alcoholic beverages, has approved extended hours for alcohol service and sales during the days when most WorldPride events will be held in the nation’s capital.
In a May 2 announcement, the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration, which works with the board, said the extended liquor serving and sales hours for WorldPride will take place beginning Friday, May 30, through 4 a.m. Monday, June 9.
Although the official schedule for WorldPride events shows the events will take place May 17-June 8, most of the large events, including a two-day Pride street festival, parade, and concert, were expected to take place between May 30 and June 8.
According to the ABCA announcement and an ABCA spokesperson, liquor servicing establishments with the appropriate license can stay open for 24 hours and serve alcoholic beverages from 6 a.m. through the day and evening until 4 a.m., with no liquor sales allowed from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. during the May 30-June 9 period.
The ABCA announcement says liquor serving establishments must apply for the extended hours option and pay a $100 registration fee by a deadline on May 27.
Sources familiar with the liquor board have said the board has for many years approved the extension of liquor serving and sales hours for important events and for certain holidays such as New Year’s Eve.
At the time it approved the extended hours for WorldPride the liquor board also approved extended hours during the time when games for a World Cup soccer tournament will be held in the city on June 18, June 22, and June 26.
It couldn’t immediately be determined how many of D.C.’s 22 LGBTQ bars plan to apply for the extended drinking hours. David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan gay bar Pitchers and its adjoining lesbian bar A League of Her Own, said he will apply for the 4 a.m. extended hours option but he does not intend to keep the two bars open for the full 23 hours.
Under the city’s current alcoholic beverage regulations, licensed liquor serving establishments may serve alcoholic beverages until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
World Pride 2025
Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride human rights conference
Trump demanded apology from Mariann Edgar Budde over post-Inauguration sermon

The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde is among those who are scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that will take place from June 4-6.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde speaks at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 21, 2025. (PBS NewsHour clip)
A press release the Washington Blade received notes Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, UK Black Pride founder Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, and Bob the Drag Queen are among those who are also expected to participate in the conference.
The conference will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) and registration is open here.
World Pride 2025
Pabllo Vittar to perform at WorldPride
Brazilian drag queen, singer, joined Madonna on stage in 2024 Rio concert

A Brazilian drag queen and singer who performed with Madonna at her 2024 concert on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach will perform at WorldPride.
The Capital Pride Alliance on Thursday announced Pabllo Vittar will perform on the Main Stage of the main party that will take place on June 7 at DCBX (1235 W St., N.E.) in Northeast D.C.
Vittar and Anitta, a Brazilian pop star who is bisexual, on May 4, 2024, joined Madonna on stage at her free concert, which was the last one of her Celebration Tour. Authorities estimated 1.6 million people attended.
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