Maryland
Moore, Hogan attend Annapolis Pride parade
Current governor’s press secretary criticized predecessor’s LGBTQ record
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and his Republican predecessor, Larry Hogan, on Saturday marched in the annual Annapolis Pride parade.
Moore in a video he posted to his X account noted he is the first Maryland governor to attend the parade.
“Everybody, be you, be proud, be Maryland,” said Moore. “This is what makes Maryland extraordinary; it’s when everyone feels a sense of belonging in their own skin. That is who we are. That’s what we believe in and that’s what we will always stand for.”
Annapolis is PROUD to be at PRIDE! 🌈 pic.twitter.com/b6G3sgAHgA
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) June 1, 2024
Hogan, who is running against Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in the race to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), on his X account posted pictures and videos of him in the parade and greeting spectators. Alsobrooks herself did not participate (a campaign spokesperson told the Washington Blade she was unable to attend), but many of her campaign volunteers and supporters marched in the parade.
Happy Annapolis Pride! #TeamAlsobrooks is out in full force today, marching and celebrating LGBTQ+ Marylanders!
Are you here? Come say hi! pic.twitter.com/gzpA0UPo81
— Angela Alsobrooks (@AlsobrooksForMD) June 1, 2024
“Happy Pride,” said Alsobrooks on her X account. “This month, may we come together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Americans, while also making sure that, as leaders, we continue the fight for equality for all.”
“As Maryland’s next senator, I am going to fight to protect our LGBTQ+ Americans every single day,” she added.
Moore Press Secretary Carter Elliott posted to his X account a picture of Hogan arriving at the parade, and noted he is “here in all black at Annapolis Pride after eight years of not participating, vetoing legislation to protect LGBTQ communities, and letting countless bills go through without his signature.”
“This is a community he is not proud to support — all performative politics,” said Elliott.
The old governor is here in all black at Annapolis Pride after 8 years of not participating, vetoing legislation to protect LGBTQ communities, and letting countless bills go through without his signature.
This is a community he is not proud to support— all performative politics. pic.twitter.com/zfybGkXCmZ
— Carter Elliott, IV (@CarterElliottIV) June 1, 2024
Maryland
Joseline Peña-Melnyk elected Md. House speaker
Family immigrated to New York City from the Dominican Republic
By PAMELA WOOD | Moments after being elected speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Tuesday, state Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk stood before the chamber and contemplated her unlikely journey to that moment.
Born in the Dominican Republic, the Peña family lived in a small wooden house with a leaky tin roof and no indoor plumbing. Some days, she said, there was no food to eat.
When she was 8 years old, the family immigrated to New York City, where Peña-Melnyk was dubbed “abogadito” or “little lawyer” for helping her mother and others by translating at social services offices.
The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
Maryland
FreeState Justice launches 501(c)(4) group
FreeState Equality will focus on policy and advocacy
FreeState Justice, an LGBTQ organization that provides legal services, community programs, and public education in Maryland, announced the launch of FreeState Equality on Wednesday.
The new, independent organization intends to pursue advocacy and policy work beyond the legal capability of FreeState Justice, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. FreeState Equality functions as a 501(c)(4) organization, meaning it can partake in political activity.
“We are committed to transparency throughout this process and look forward to continuing our work together in service of LGBTQ+ Marylanders,” said FreeState Justice Executive Director Phillip Westry.
FreeState Equality will take on policy, advocacy, and civic engagement initiatives while FreeState Justice will pursue legal and direct-service work, according to Westry.
While both organizations adhere to similar values, they will feature separate leadership, operations and compliance.
FreeState Equality is hosting its first launch fundraiser on Dec. 10 at the Brass Tap in Baltimore. The event, held from 5-7 p.m., will feature insight from FreeState Equality staff about how Maryland policy can support the state’s LGBTQ community.
Attendees can purchase fundraiser tickets on Zeffy for $25 general admission, which includes a free first drink. The organization also welcomes additional donations.
By LEE O. SANDERLIN, PAMELA WOOD and BRENDA WINTRODE | Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, the first woman and first person of color to hold her position, stepped down from her leadership post Thursday, effective immediately.
Jones, 71, has been a member of the legislature since 1997 and ascended to the top role in 2019 following the death of longtime House Speaker Michael E. Busch.
Jones held a meeting with top House Democratic leaders Thursday afternoon, sources said, at which she informed them of her decision. In a statement, Jones described the changes of life’s seasons and said she was ready to focus on what lies ahead.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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