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Mass wedding at Baltimore Pride

Mayor presides over ceremony for 19 couples

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We Do, mass wedding, gay marriage, same-sex marriage, marriage equality, Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore Pride Festival, Druid Hill Park, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, gay news, Washington Blade
We Do, mass wedding, gay marriage, same-sex marriage, marriage equality, Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore Pride Festival, Druid Hill Park, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, gay news, Washington Blade

(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Nineteen couples were surrounded by hundreds of well-wishers at Druid Hill Park on Sunday for Baltimore’s first mass same-sex wedding. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake officiated at the ceremony held during the Baltimore Pride Festival. The event was organized by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB).

Same-sex marriage became legal in Maryland on Jan. 1 following a referendum passed in November 2012 by a 52-48 percent margin.

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District of Columbia

Wanda Alston Foundation launches culinary program for LGBTQ youth

Slay & Sauté campaign seeks to raise funds for cooking utensils

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Wanda Alston Foundation Executive Director Cesar Toledo (Photo courtesy of the Wanda Alston Foundation)

The Wanda Alston Foundation, the D.C. nonprofit organization that has provided housing and support services for homeless LGBTQ youth since its founding in 2008, announced it has launched a campaign to raise $15,000 for a new culinary program to “equip our LGBTQ+ youth with cooking skills, kitchen gadgets, and a taste for joy,” according to its executive director, Cesar Toledo.

In a May 14 statement, Toledo said the Alston Foundation had been selected to receive food and shelter funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, “but due to the federal freeze, it’s unlikely those critical resources will reach us.”

He said the new program being launched is in partnership with the DC Front Runners Pride Run 5K organization, an LGBTQ runners group. The funds will be used to provide 20 Alston House residents “with air fryers, rice cookers, smoothie blenders, healthy food, and condiments,” Toledo said.

He said the campaign, which has been named Slay & Sauté, is offering donors a chance to win WorldPride concert tickets if they submit their donation before June 1. His announcement says among the concerts for which tickets could be won are Grace Jones and Janelle Monae, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Werq the World, MIXTAPE Pride, and Betty Who.

“Thanks to supporters across the District, we’re able to continue providing not just shelter but comfort and joy to LGBTQ+ youth!” Toledo said in his statement.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Special guests include Ts Madison, Kerri Colby

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Ts Madison entertains at the Black Pride Opening Ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the Capital Hilton. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Opening Reception for the 34th annual D.C. Black Pride was held at the Capital Hilton on Friday, May 23. Presenters, speakers and entertainers included Ts Madison, Monroe Alise, Billy the Goat, Kerri Colby, Apple Brown Betty, Heather Mahogani, Lyrical Mar, Lolita Leopard, Ink, and Bang Garçon. Anthony Oakes was the host.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Silver Pride

Rayceen Pendarvis serves as emcee

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Rayceen Pendarvis was the emcee of Silver Pride 2025. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2025 Silver Pride Resource Fair and Tea Dance was held at the Eaton Hotel on Wednesday, May 21.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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