ABOUT US
Our Mission
Annapolis Pride’s mission is to advocate for, empower, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in Anne Arundel County to live fully and authentically.
Our Vision
A safe, equitable, and anti-racist community where people of all identities thrive.
Our Board
Our Goals
- Build visibility and awareness of LGBTQ+ issues.
- Create an anti-racist and multicultural organization comprising of anti-racist members, ideas, and policies.
- Create safe and affirming spaces where all people feel welcome.
- Connect the LGBTQ+ community with allies and resources.
Our Priorities
- Create a sustainable and viable organization.
- Promote, host, and support various events throughout the year in support of our mission, vision, and goals, including an Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Parade and Festival.
- Advocate, support, and create a safe space for all identities.
We Have Succeeded When
- The public actively supports the LGBTQ+ community.
- LGBTQ+ people have equitable access to health and wellness.
- LGBTQ+ adults feel safe, represented, and feel a sense of belonging.
Our Story
2018
Annapolis Pride Formation
- A group of determined community members began creating the concept for Annapolis Pride during winter.
- On May 25, the Facebook page launched with the iconic anchor logo created by Pomerantz Marketing and quickly began to gain followers.
- At the request of Annapolis Pride, Mayor Gavin Buckley declared June as LGBTQ+ Pride month for the first time in the history of the City of Annapolis. The proclamation stated that Annapolis would host its first pride parade and festival in June 2019.
- In September, at the request of Annapolis Pride, the Annapolis Police Department appointed its first LGBTQ+ liaison officer.
2019
First Parade and Festival
- In January, we officially formed our founding Board of Directors. In March, we received our 501(C)(3) designation from the IRS.
- Successfully advocated for LGBTQ+ programs at the Anne Arundel County Public Library, including the system’s first-ever Drag Queen Storytime.
- On June 29, hosted the inaugural Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival on West Street.
2020
All Black Lives Matter
- In June, following the murder of George Floyd and many others at the hands of police, partnered with local Black Lives Matter activists to host the All Black Lives Matter march. We also created an anti-racism resources page on our website and adopted an anti-racism statement as policy.
- Hosted a virtual parade in the face of a global pandemic, bringing together important figures in the LGBTQ+ community to discuss key issues.
2021
Advocacy Expanded during COVID
- In June, along with advocates from the Coalition for LGBTQ+ Students, we successfully advocated for Anne Arundel County Public Schools to adopt the Safe and Inclusive Environments for LGBTQ+ Students policy.
- In September, our nonpartisan 2021 candidate questionnaire was released, making data about local candidates’ stances on issues important to the LGBTQ+ community publicly available for the first time.
2022
Expanding Impact
- Along with other community groups, we successfully advocated for transgender and gender-affirming care to be covered in county employee health insurance plans.
- AACPS Board of Education voted to approve LGBTQ+ history and African American history courses after working with the Coalition for LGBTQ+ Students and several other advocacy groups.
- At the request of Annapolis Pride, proclamations from the Mayor of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Executive recognized Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.
- Hosted annual parade and festival with ever-increasing attendance and participation.
2023
Growing Grassroots Support
- With input from community partners, the organization finalized its first strategic plan and developed a new mission and vision statement.
- Hosted first-ever legislative breakfast with local and state legislators in attendance.
- Along with other community groups, we successfully advocated for gender-affirming healthcare to be made a covered expense for people receiving Medicaid in Maryland.
- Held summit on safety for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Hosted the biggest parade and festival to date, along with supporting events.
- Participated in the first-ever LGBTQ+ reception at the Governor’s Mansion.
2024
Five Years and Many More!
- Hosted summit on health and safety of LGBTQ+ youth (with PFLAG and Anne Arundel County Libraries).
- Advocated for bills calling for HIV decriminalization, freedom to read, expanding access to PrEP without a prescription, ensuring gender-affirming treatment is defined as legally protected health care, and other bills.
- Hosted legislative reception with local and state legislators in attendance.
- Expanded the route of the Pride Parade and moved the festival to Maryland Hall.
- Welcomed, for the first time, a sitting MD Governor and 11,000 people to our 4th Parade and Festival.
- Co-hosted a summit on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Identities with the Coalition for LGBTQ+ Students.
- Created a YouTube Channel with videos of our summits.
Photo Credit: Devon Rowland Photography