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Moore, Hogan attend Annapolis Pride parade

Current governor’s press secretary criticized predecessor’s LGBTQ record

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2 years ago

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore participates in the Annapolis Pride parade in Annapolis, Md., on June 1, 2024. (Screen capture courtesy of Moore's X account)

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.”

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 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.

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Maryland

FreeState Justice launches 501(c)(4) group

FreeState Equality will focus on policy and advocacy

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4 days ago

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December 5, 2025

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(Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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.

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Maryland

Md. House speaker stepping down

Adrienne Jones has been in position since 2019

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4 days ago

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December 5, 2025

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Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Adrienne Jones stepped down from her leadership post on Dec. 4, 2025. (Photo by Ulysses Muñoz for the Baltimore Banner)

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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Maryland

Harford school board appeals state’s book ban decision to circuit court

5-2 ruling in response to ‘Flamer’ directive

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4 weeks ago

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November 14, 2025

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The book “Flamer” is by Mike Curato, who wrote about his experience being bullied as a kid for being gay. (Photo by Kristen Griffith for the Baltimore Banner)

By KRISTEN GRIFFITH | Marking a historic moment in Maryland’s debate over school library censorship, Harford County’s school board voted Thursday to appeal the state’s unprecedented decision overturning its ban of a young adult graphic novel, pushing the dispute into circuit court.

The 5-2 vote followed a recent ruling from the state board overturning Harford’s ban of the book “Flamer.” In a special meeting Thursday afternoon, board members weighed whether to seek reconsideration or take the matter to circuit court — ultimately opting to appeal.

The book “Flamer” is by Mike Curato, who wrote about his experience being bullied as a kid for being gay.

The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.

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