Local
Nancy Pelosi to be honored at OutServe-SLDN’s Serving with Pride
The house minority leader has been an advocate against anti-LGBT rollbacks in the military
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
OutServe-SLDN will honor House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi during its 25th Anniversary Year Kickoff Reception at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater (1101 6th St., S.W.) on Wednesday, Oct. 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Founded in Washington in 1993, OutServe-SLDN offers advocacy and legal services to LGBT servicemembers, veterans and their families. Pelosi will be recognized for passing the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and for speaking out against anti-LGBT rollbacks in the military including the Trump Administration’s transgender servicemember ban.
“The incalculable contributions of our proud and courageous LGBTQ servicemembers have helped move our nation closer to fulfilling the promise of freedom and equality for all,” Pelosi said in a statement. “It is an immense honor to be recognized by the exceptional leaders at OutServe-SLDN. For years, these fierce, tireless advocates have refused to stay silent in our shared fight to ensure that brave LGBTQ servicemembers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. From expanding hate crimes protections, repealing ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and fighting the Trump Administration’s attacks on the transgender community, together, we have strengthened the right of all people to life, liberty and the freedom to pursue happiness regardless of who they are or whom they love.”
Matt Thorn, president & CEO of OutServe-SLDN, added: “It is a privilege and honor to announce Leader Pelosi as the headline honoree for our 25th-anniversary kickoff event this October. She is a true champion and exceptional ally of the LGBT community. From her work to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as Speaker of the House of Representatives to her vocal and persistent opposition to the Trump Administration’s ban on transgender service members, Leader Pelosi is truly a profile in courage, persistence and effectiveness,” Thorn said in a statement. “OutServe-SLDN could not be more honored to begin the celebration of our 25th Anniversary with a dedicated public servant who has consistently put others before herself. Leader Pelosi is the quintessential definition of an LGBT ally and champion.”
For more details and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Virginia
VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade
Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday
The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.
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Virginia
Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3
The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.
Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.
A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.
Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.
“It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,” said Ebbin after Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.”
Maryland
Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated
Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs
By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.
The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.
By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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