“In the State of Maryland, nobody should have to justify their own humanity,” said Gov. Moore. “This order is focused on ensuring Maryland is a safe place for gender affirming care, especially as other states take misguided and hateful steps to make gender affirming care cause for legal retribution. In Maryland, we are going to lead on this issue.”
“In signing this executive order, this administration is saying to all LGBTQIA+ Marylanders: You deserve to be your authentic selves — during Pride month and every month,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “You deserve to live safely, openly, and freely; and receive the gender affirming care you need.”
“We are so thrilled that this year, the Moore-Miller Administration is hosting the first Government House Pride reception in the history of the State of Maryland,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “We are building a community where we elevate, celebrate, and activate. I want you to know that in this house, you aren’t just welcome, you are necessary.”
There are more than 94,000 transgender or nonbinary residents in Maryland. The order grants LGBTQIA+ individuals access to safe and medically necessary care. The order also commits to protecting access to gender-affirming care by ensuring that no one who lawfully provides, assists, seeks, or obtains such treatment should be subject to legal liability or professional sanction.
Maryland has long led in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community:
- In 2012, the State of Maryland became the first state in the nation to establish by vote of the state legislature that same sex couples are entitled to the same legal and civil benefits of marriage as heterosexual couples.
- In 2014, the State of Maryland prohibited discrimination based on gender identity and expression with regard to public accommodations, housing, and employment in the Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014.
- In 2018, the State of Maryland prohibited mental health or childcare practitioners from engaging in the harmful practice of conversion therapy with individuals who are minors, and barred the use of state funds for conducting or providing health coverage for conversion therapy, or providing a grant to any organization that conducts or provides insurance for conversation therapy.
- In 2021, the State of Maryland established the LGBTQ Affairs Commission in the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. Renamed the LGBTQIA+ Affairs Commission in 2023 to reflect Marylanders who identify as intersex, asexual, agender, and additional identities, the commission is charged with assessing the challenges that the LGBTQIA+ community faces, collecting data across state agencies on the implementation of LGBTQIA+-inclusive policies, and assessing complaints alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- In 2022, the State of Maryland restored LGBTQIA+ veterans with a less-than-honorable discharge to a status of “honorably discharged” for the purpose of state benefits, rights, and privileges if they were solely discharged due to their sexual orientation or gender identity or based on a statement or consensual act of the individual being discharged related to the individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
- This year, the Maryland Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus was established within the Maryland General Assembly.
- On March 31, Governor Moore proudly proclaimed March 31 as International Transgender Day of Visibility in Maryland, being the first governor in Maryland history to formally commemorate the day. The proclamation celebrates the accomplishments of transgender Marylanders while continuing to raise awareness to achieve trans justice.
- On May 3, Governor Moore signed Senate Bill 460 and House Bill 283, The Trans Health Equity Act, which expands coverage for gender-affirming treatments for transgender Marylanders.
Recent Stories
A Silver Spring man has been sentenced to 70 years in prison for shooting his housemate in January 2021.
The Potomac Horse Center at 14211 Quince Orchard Rd in North Potomac has announced it will close on July 22.
Montgomery County issued the following news release on Tuesday, April 26:
The City of Rockville will hold its 80th annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade on Monday, May 27 in the plaza at Rockville Town Square.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
