Local
Stage is set for Baltimore Pride
Big Freedia headlines Saturday block party

Baltimore Pride 2017, dubbed “Pride Unleashed,” will culminate this weekend with the parade and block party on Saturday in the Station North area and on Sunday with the festival in Druid Hill Park. Baltimore Pride, which originated in 1975, is run by the GLBT Community Center of Baltimore and Central Maryland (GLCCB).
A plethora of events and parties have already taken place during “Pride Week” that began on June 9, such as a Pride Bar Crawl, Feeding the Homeless Community Outreach, King & Queen of Pride Revue, Remembering the Pulse victims vigil, Pride Interfaith Celebration, Queer People of Color Party, a GLCCB open house, the mayor’s reception at City Hall, Twilight on the Terrace fundraiser and many others.
This year, the parade on Saturday will not terminate in the Mount Vernon neighborhood as had been the tradition but instead will wind up in the Station North area. It will originate at Charles and Eager streets, and the parade, billed as the longest ever in terms of distance and the number of contingents participating, will proceed north on Charles Street beginning at 2 p.m., traverse North Avenue and end up at 22nd Street.
Prior to the parade at 12:30 p.m., there will be a “pre-Pride extravaganza show” at City Stage (Charles St. and North Ave.) followed by the traditional High Heel Race at the same locale.
The popular block party that will run from 4-10 p.m. has similarly moved from Mount Vernon. Its footprint is located between 23rd Street on the north (where the Main Stage will be situated at Charles Street) and North Avenue on the south. Morton Street forms the western boundary and St. Paul Street is on the east. Charles Street runs up the center of the footprint.
In addition, there will be a Youth Zone within the area for those between ages 14 and 20 with its own set of entertainers, such as Bunns of Steele, Summer Heights, Damon, Positive Voices and Keyayshia among others.
This year’s block party headliner is Big Freedia, a New Orleans-based rapper and ambassador of Bounce music, known as the Queen of Bounce. Big Freedia is scheduled to perform on the main stage at 9 p.m.
Other scheduled performers include King of Pride, Miss MD P.O.A., Azra, Tara Evans, a show from the Baltimore Eagle’s Nest, Jessica Sutter, Tan Estintric Odom, Coco Wilson, Queen of Pride, George Lovett and more.
On the Dance Stage, scheduled performers are Life on Planets, Carolyn Victorian & DJ Oji, DJ Pope, FAQ, Malphunction, and The OGS.
There will also be special parties that night at local gay bars including the Baltimore Eagle, G•A•Y Lounge, Flavor, Grand Central, Leon’s/Steampunk and The Drinkery.
The Sunday festival at Druid Hill Park is typically more subdued than the block party and welcoming to families with its Family Zone. An innovation this year is an Elder Tent for older LGBT folks and allies to hang out.
Visitors will meander through the festival visiting a multitude of vendors representing shops, organizations and political groups as well as enjoying the food and beverages.
Pride-goers sit on grassy areas at various locations to soak up the entertainment on the Main Stage, the Dance Stage, and the Lady Lisa Drag Stage that features local drag performers.
Some of the performers include Girl Named Chuck, Pretty Boi Drag, Moo Jack, Rue Pratt, Black Asset, Ultra Nate as well as DJ Deezy, DJ Alex Funk, DJ Figment, DJ Powerline and DJ Cover.
Noting its significance, Mimi Demissew, co-executive director of the GLCCB, says, “Baltimore Pride is indeed one of the greatest celebrations of SGL/LGBTQ culture held in our city. Equally important, Baltimore Pride helps the Center stay open to continue serving its Baltimore and Central Maryland residents.”
Maryland
Moore signs executive order to protect gender-affirming health care in Md.
Ceremony took place during Pride month reception at Government House

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore on Monday signed an executive order that protects gender-affirming health care in the state.
Moore signed the directive during a Pride month reception at Government House in Annapolis.
“In the state of Maryland, nobody should have to justify their own humanity,” said Moore. “This order is focused on ensuring Maryland is a safe place for gender affirming care, especially as other states take misguided and hateful steps to make gender affirming care cause for legal retribution. In Maryland, we are going to lead on this issue.”
“In signing this executive order, this administration is saying to all LGBTQIA+ Marylanders: You deserve to be your authentic selves — during Pride month and every month,” added Lieutenant Gov. Aruna Miller. “You deserve to live safely, openly and freely; and receive the gender-affirming care you need.”
Moore last month signed the Trans Health Equity Act, which requires Maryland’s Medicaid program to cover gender-affirming care. Moore on March 31 signed a proclamation that proclaimed the day as the International Transgender Day of Visibility in Maryland.
Delaware
22 ways to celebrate Pride month in Delaware
From Wilmington to Rehoboth, there’s something for everyone

FRIDAY, JUNE 9
QUEER FILM: The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and CAMP Rehoboth kick off the three-day Pride Film Festival featuring 12 movies, ranging from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to “Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project,” which explores author Giovanni’s life and six decades of work. The schedule has not been announced yet as of publication of this guide. The films will be shown at Cinema Art Theatre at 17701 Dartmouth Rd. #2 in Lewes. $12 per film.
A HISTORY LESSON: Delaware LGBTQ history researcher Carolanne Deal explores the queer history of Sussex County and a new exhibition with parts of Delaware’s queer history in the Zwannendael Park by the museum with the same name. 5 p.m. at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes. Free.
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
PRIDE FESTIVAL: Delaware Pride is putting on its annual Pride festival, with more than 100 vendors and many entertainers making up the single largest LGBTA gathering in Delaware, the organization says. Seventeen entertainers are listed on Delaware Pride’s Facebook page, including “American Idol” contestant Alisabeth Von Presley – “Lady Gaga meets Pat Benatar with a dash of Michael Jackson,” Little Village Magazine writes; Aunt Mary Pat, the drag queen and singer; Jenna Tall, who’s won five Miss titles; The Manhattan Prairie Dogs, a dance group that’s legal to watch despite prairie dogs being illegal to keep as a pet in New York; and Ryan Cassata, a singer and public speaker on trans issues. That’s not even mentioning 83 vendors that are scheduled to attend. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 411 Legislative Ave. in Dover. Free.
PRIDE AFTER-PARTY: Double D’s Taphouse is hosting an after-party throughout Saturday night for adults 21 and over, hosted by Scarlett Masters (who’s also hosting the drag bingo above). 6-10 p.m. at 137 Jerome Drive in Dover. $15.
COUNTRY DANCING: Get yir boots on and saddle up, gays! Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center is hosting a country dance party for gay men and women in Rehoboth. 7 p.m. at 1 Baltimore Ave. on the Boardwalk in Rehoboth. $10.
BRING YOUR GAY ASS OVER HERE: Flash your colors at Wilmington’s Crimson Moon bar. Brush up on your gay history to understand why: When it was illegal to be gay, LGBTQ people put a colored handkerchief in their back pocket to signal their queerness to other community members. Community leaders periodically changed that color so they would not reveal their sexuality to undercover cops. Over time, it evolved into what it is today – a way to show who you are and what you’re looking for. 9 p.m. at 1909 W. 6th St. in Wilmington. No cover.
SUNDAY, JUNE 11
RUN FOR FUN AT THE FUN RUN: Fun for run, no, run for fun in Rehoboth, organized by a Delaware shoe store, Charm City Run. 8-9 a.m. at 200 Rehoboth Ave. in Rehoboth. Free.
MIDDLETOWN PRIDE: Middletown is hosting its second annual Pride Walk and Festival – with vendors this time. 12-5 p.m. in Middletown. Free.
BINGO FOR A CAUSE: AIDS Delaware is hosting a spring bingo with The Rainbow Chorale in the Mill Creek Fire Company’s Chambers, with all proceeds benefitting the two organizations. It’s hosted by drag queens Scarlet Masters and Aura Buboyz and organizers encourage guests to dress in Pride attire or your “best ally” attire. Doors open at 5 p.m., games begin at 6 p.m. at 3900 Kirkwood Hwy in Wilmington. $15 for admission and one game board.
SUPPORT AGING LGBTQ+ PEOPLE: Learn about the challenges facing older LGBTQ adults and resources for them in a roundtable discussion hosted by Sussex Pride at the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware’s building in Lewes. 6-7:45 p.m. at 30486 Lewes Georgetown Hwy. Free.
THURSDAY, JUNE 15
A NIGHT OUT: Bring your friends and (queer) family to this LGBTQ social event at Constitution Yards Beer Garden. It had a record turnout of about 300 last year, and organizers are hoping to crack 400 this year. 6-9 p.m. at 308 Justison St. in Wilmington. Free.
GAME NIGHT: If going out isn’t your thing and you’d prefer a more chill night, fear not: Sussex Pride is hosting a game night in the Epworth United Methodist Church. 6:30-8:15 p.m. at 19285 Holland Glade Rd. in Rehoboth. Free.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16
GET INTO THE HOMO SPIRIT: Listen to CAMP Rehoboth’s Chorus singing all-time favorites like Chad & Jeremy’s “A Summer Song,” Chicago’s “Saturday in the Park,” and, of course, a Beach Boys medley at Epworth United Methodist Church. Friday and Saturday 7 p.m., and Monday 3 p.m. at 19285 Holland Glade Road in Rehoboth. $25.
GAYEST SONGS EVER: Celebrate the super gay pop hits of yesteryear (and this year) with performer Todd Alsup. 8:30-10:30 p.m. at The Pines, 56 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth. $25-150.
SATURDAY, JUNE 17
DRAG BRUNCH: Miss Troy, who is also performing at the Pride Festival, is hosting a drag brunch at The Queen in its Crown Room. The Queen is normally a live music venue but has a history of hosting all kinds of events. 12 p.m. at 500 N. Market St. in Wilmington. $39-61.50
POOL PARTY: If you want to take a splash in the pool while being a little tipsy this is the place to do it. Bring your own booze if desired, and bring food if you wish. 3-9 p.m. at 128 Honey Brook Lane in Felton. Free.
PLAY DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Take a break from celebrating with a round of Dungeons & Dragons hosted by Sussex Pride at the Groome Church. 6:30-8 p.m. at 601 Savannah Rd. in Lewes. Free.
SUNDAY, JUNE 18
QUEER STORY TIME: Bring your little (or not so little) kids to the Woodlawn Library and read picture books with LGBTQ characters. You must register for the event beforehand here. Masks are strongly encouraged at the event. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at 2020 W. 9th St. in Wilmington. Free.
BRING YOUR DADDY TO BRUNCH: Goolee’s Grill encourages you to bring your dad (or daddy) to this family-friendly drag brunch because it’s Father’s Day. The event is hosted by the runner up for Rehoboth’s Best Drag Queen in the 2019 Blade awards, Regina Cox. 12-2 p.m. at 11 South 1st St. $15.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
ZOO VISIT: The Brandywine Zoo is holding its annual Pride Day – only the third – with educational programming, a scavenger hunt, and story time. 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at 1001 N. Park Dr. in Wilmington. $7 for seniors and youth, $9 for adults.
SUNDAY, JUNE 25
STONEWALL RELIVED: Listen to four actors recreate the 1969 Stonewall Uprising at CAMP Rehoboth with the words of those that were there – reporters, drag queens, trans youth, gay people, and homeless kids that confronted the police, letting out their anger. It wasn’t the first LGBTQ uprising of the era, but the most consequential. 4 p.m. & 7 p.m. at 37 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth. $25.
FRIDAY, JUNE 30
GAY COMEDY: Standup comedian Jen Kober, an out lesbian from Louisiana, is touring the country and stopping in Rehoboth Beach at The Pines along with Jeff D. She won NPR’s Snap Judgment of Comedic Performance of the Year and went viral for her standup about Girl Scout cookies. 7 p.m. at The Pines in Rehoboth.
Did we miss anything? Let the author know at [email protected]
Maryland
People of Pride: A look at Maryland’s LGBTQ community
Prominent activists, leaders spoke with the Baltimore Banner

By John-John Williams IV | With the LGBTQ community under assault in many states, LGBTQ Marylanders say Pride month has taken on added meaning this year.
There are an estimated 11 million LGBTQ adults in the United States, with 151,000 in the state of Maryland, according to the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law and Public Policy at UCLA School of Law. The community covers a diverse spectrum of genders, identities, races and cultures.
The Baltimore Banner spoke and emailed with members of the community about the meaning of pride and the greatest challenges facing the LGBTQ community. Here are their answers, some of which have been edited for length and clarity.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner website.
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