Local
New Maryland LGBT foundation debuts
Aims to promote culture, well-being of LGBT community


Matt Thorn is one of three co-founders of the newly launched Pride Foundation of Maryland. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
Coinciding with the 47th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and to honor the victims of the Orlando massacre on June 12, a new tax-exempt, Internet-based, all-volunteer organization was launched June 28 called the Pride Foundation of Maryland.
It was formed to promote the culture, history, and well-being of Maryland’s LGBT community, according to the group’s press release announcing its formation.
Three individuals who previously had ties to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB) founded the organization. Brian Gaither, Matt Newcomer and Matt Thorn are all former board members of the GLCCB. They have managed the basic financial, operational and regulatory obligations since June 2014 when the foundation was chartered.
Unique to many LGBT organizations, the foundation is designed to be managed entirely by volunteers. It employs social media and will use the talents of LGBT people “to create and promote programs that celebrate our lives and uplift us as individuals,” the statement notes.
“I’ve worked with a number of LGBT organizations. Some need staff. But the model for the Pride Foundation only works if it’s committed to the principle of being a volunteer-run organization,” says Thorn, who was the GLCCB’s executive director from 2013-2014.
The foundation is a shared resource of Maryland’s LGBT community, which will provide fundraising tools, targeted outreach and other support to those working to fulfill the foundation’s mission.
“Through its digital infrastructure, the foundation can support all programming conceived by and directed toward the multiple points of intersectionality in the diverse LGBT community,” says the statement. “Programming may include a speaker’s series, coordinated exhibits with Maryland institutions, festivals for our families or professional networking. Ultimately, the scale and scope of our programming will be determined by those who step forward to work through the foundation.”
For example, an LGBT family may want to organize an LGBT family fair. The foundation can help connect with existing organizations to plan the event. It can offer support in developing a fundraising page on the website, and it can send emails to other members of the foundation to publicize the event.
The foundation will not be housed in an office, and since it is all-volunteer organization, overhead costs are expected to be minimal. The founders expect to draw from volunteers throughout the community to carry out programs and events to reach every part of the community.
“Over time, the capacity of the Foundation will be enhanced by a broader base of supporters,” says the statement. “Our volunteers will become more efficient organizers, and our lists will become better qualified to connect individuals with programming that his most relevant to them.”
The founders say that there is no reason why the foundation could not be used to support the efforts of existing groups such as the Frederick Center, Baltimore’s GLCCB, and others.
“The financial woes that have plagued LGBT organizations are not going away,” Gaither told the Blade. “Unfortunately, we’re stuck in a place where we can’t afford to maintain them, but at the same time the community can’t afford to be without them. Shifting the model in the way that the foundation has been designed to do means we can be connected and organized without constantly shuffling for resources just to keep the lights on.”
To connect with the foundation, and to learn more, visit pridemd.org or email [email protected].
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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