Local
Optimism abounds at GLCCB town hall meeting
Plans already underway for 2017 Pride


GLCCB Board members: Octavio Njuhigu, David Sugar, Jabari Lyles, Shelly Higgins, and Jessi Merriken (Washington Blade photo by Steve Charing)
The second town hall meeting of this year presented by the GLBT Community Center of Baltimore (GLCCB) took place at their new 2530 N. Charles St. office suite on Oct. 26. Unlike the contentious town hall in July 2014 when community members were vociferous in their criticism of the center’s leadership on a number of fronts, this meeting was tranquil and brimming with positivity and optimism.
Jabari Lyles, president of the board, introduced board members and staff to a dozen community members. He noted that there are nine board vacancies, and he and the other board members will be actively recruiting to fill those seats.
Lyles announced that Baltimore Pride, the principal fundraiser for the GLCCB, showed a profit of over $80,000 in 2016 compared to over $49,000 the previous year. In 2016, Pride’s profit represented 37 percent of income compared to 27 percent in 2015 indicating more revenue and fewer expenditures on a percentage basis in 2016.
The Pride 2017 committee has already met three times, but no decisions have been made as to the dates of the event or the venue. Several options are on the table including the possibility of moving Pride out of the traditional Mount Vernon locale.
Though Pride is the best known activity of the GLCCB, Kenneth Morrison, the newly appointed director of programs, explained that the core of the center’s mission is its programs. The GLCCB has been primarily youth oriented, such as the planned hosting of drop-in sessions for individuals ages 18-30 on alternate Saturdays, but leaders promise to do a better job reaching out to elders.
One of the three components of the GLCCB’s programs is direct services. There are three case managers or peer navigators on the staff who can connect anyone coming to the center to services and resources in such areas as housing, transportation, employment and healthcare.
Another area is advocacy in which the center hopes to increase its involvement in Baltimore City and in particular, to advocate for safe schools.
A third element is education whereby organizations and individuals are educated as to the best way to interact.
The GLCCB offers free space, and with its new expanded offices, it can hold several meetings simultaneously.
Community members weighed in about the GLCCB’s mission. One man asked about solving the divisions in the community. Lyles acknowledged that these divisions exist especially along racial, class and gender lines; however, he said the GLCCB’s role is to provide an opportunity for the community to have conversations and look inward.
Other matters discussed included building a bridge with the Center for Black Equity Baltimore and making Pride more elder-friendly.
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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