The Pride Center of Maryland is hosting a series of events from June 10-16 to celebrate the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities and other sexual and gender minorities.
This year’s theme is “Power Of The Past, Force Of The Future,” recognizing the societal contributions of past sexual and gender minority leaders while encouraging future leaders to carry on the same spirit.
“Power of the past says that we honor the leaders from the past, those who have paved a way to help ensure we can get to the place we are now,” said Tramour Wilson, senior director of advocacy and community engagement for the Pride Center of Maryland. “And we uplift the new leaders of the future, those who are able to help guide us moving forward and prepare us for our new destination.”
For over 20 years, the Pride Center of Maryland celebrated Pride Month on Father’s Day weekend. In recent years, dates of several events had been changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is their first year back celebrating on Father’s Day weekend, which Wilson said is important because Black and/or LGBTQIA+ fathers deserve celebration.
Among this year’s Baltimore Pride celebrations will of course be the annual Pride Parade, followed by a block party headlined by American rapper Saucy Santana. Local Baltimore talents, food and business vendors, and numerous activities will also occupy the streets.
Wilson hopes every attendee feels the love Pride Month radiates. “[I] hope they will gain a sense of security, a sense that they have a place where they belong and a sense of affirmation,” Wilson said. “I hope they leave this event realizing that Pride is not just one month out of the year, but 365 days out of the year.”
Below is a list of this year’s Baltimore Pride events:
June 11: Pride Launch Party / Happy Hour. Join the Pride Center of Maryland for a happy hour and launch party to celebrate the start of Baltimore Pride. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature karaoke and free drinks on the house for attendees who RSVP.
June 13: Poetry Slam / Open Mic / Workshop. Charm City Slam and All Eyes on You are hosting a poetry workshop and open mic event. The workshop runs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and costs $10, while the open mic segment from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. is $15 to attend. The event will showcase Ephraim Nehemiah, a national poetry slam champion.
June 14: Mt. Vernon Pride. This event in the 200 block of West Read Street will feature high heel races for ages 20 and under and for ages 21 and over. Other attractions include a cash bar, food trucks, a kid’s corner, and live performances by Jacqjall, Glorian, DJ Spice, Teddy Douglas, and Tommy Davis. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
June 14: Twilight on the Terrace. Under the twilight, the Pride Center of Maryland celebrates its 20th annual gala, featuring food, an open bar, and music at the Baltimore Museum of Art Gertrude’s Restaurant from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
June 14: Ridin’ The Rails / Baltimore Pride Party. The wheels on the train go round and round all through the town! At the B&O Railroad Museum, passengers are invited to hop on an actual train for a ride. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the train leaves the station at 8 p.m. Passengers will be entertained by drag performances throughout the ride. After the ride, there will be a Baltimore Pride Party, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alum and drag queen Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige, as well as local queens, awaiting attendees on the railroad grounds. The party is from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. and VIPs have access to a meet-and-greet with Le’Paige.
June 15: Pride Parade / Block Party. Baltimore’s annual Pride Parade will start with marching along North Charles Street, from 32nd Street to 24th Street. The parade will host community groups, local organizations, and businesses and will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Attendees will reiterate the theme, “Power of the Past, Force of the Future.” At the end of the Pride Parade route, the Block Party at North Charles Street will start at 3 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. There will be food vendors, drinks, face paint, glitter tattoos, a drag showcase, and a performance by headliner Saucy Santana. Local talents will also take the mic.
June 15: High Heel Race. On your heels, get set, go! Runners are invited to bring their fiercest and strongest heels to compete for a chance to win prizes. Runners will begin their race on 24th and North Charles Street and make their way to 25th and Charles Street. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Participants are advised to arrive by 11:45 a.m. to participate.
June 16: Pride 5K. Presented by Under Armour, Blue Cheetah Sports Timing and the Pride Center of Maryland, all are encouraged to participate in the 2nd annual Pride 5K run or walk at Druid Hill Park at 8 a.m. It is professionally timed and winners from eight age categories are awarded prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions. A fee is required to participate.
June 16: Pride in the Park. From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., LBGTQIA+ community members and allies are welcome at Druid Hill Park to embrace Pride! Lady Lisa returns to the drag stage; LGBTQIA+ elders will show off their Pride; there’s a sweat camp workout and yoga session; and local artists will light up the park!
June 16: Official Closing Day Party. To celebrate the end of the Pride festivities, the Pride Center of Maryland closes out at Anonymous Restaurant & Lounge for a night of dancing, mingling with old and new friends, and general celebration from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spaces are limited to aged 21 and over.
According to the official Baltimore Pride Events site, the Pride in the Park event at Druid Hill Park is listed to be from 1 pm to 5 pm.
The time listed for the Official Closing Party at 1225 Cathedral from 5 pm to 9 pm matches the Official site.
Hi, Phox. Thanks for reaching out! On the Baltimore Pride homepage, the Pride in the Park event is listed as taking place from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Druid Hill Park.