The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission recognizes Pride Month 2024 with a series of inclusive events and activities. The press release can be seen in full below:
“Pride Month is an annual event dedicated to the celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride and honoring the June 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City, which is widely considered a tipping point in the gay rights movement in the U.S.
“From outdoor comedy shows to hiking and birding, we’ve got a great lineup of programs to celebrate Pride Month,” said Miti Figueredo, Montgomery Parks director. “Our parks are truly for everyone, and we want our LGBTQIA+ community to have fun exercising, socializing, and enjoying nature in our parks during Pride Month and all year round.”
“During Pride Month, Parks and Recreation celebrates the LGBTQIA+ community and highlights their contributions to society. We foster an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves,” states Bill Tyler, Director of the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “Our commitment to value, respect, diversity, and inclusion is engrained in our culture and guides our actions each day. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender or orientation, can live without discrimination or prejudice.”
June Pride Month Events
Lunchtime Lecture: Queer History at Historic Sites
Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Noon-1 p.m.
Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Rd, Glenn Dale, Md., 20769
Dr. Matt Champagne, a post-doctoral student with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Queer History Postdoctoral Fellowship, will discuss queer history and how it is presented at historic sites, focusing on famous people now believed to have been queer, who lived before terms like gay or transgender became commonplace. Free. Ages 13+
Pride in the Park: A Comedy Show
Thursday, June 6, 2024, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Avenue, Wheaton, Md., 20902
LGBTQIA+ comics from comedy troupe Improbable Comedybring the laughs in stand-up routines touching on topics of relationships, family, and love. The event begins at 6pm with food and beverages for purchase. The show begins at 7 p.m. Free. Ages 17+
Pride Month Campfire and Night Hike
Friday, June 7, 2024, 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Lane Rockville, Md., 20855
Celebrate Pride with a naturalist-led night hike referencing queer ecology. Enjoy s’mores around a cozy campfire lit up with rainbow flames. All ages. $7. Registration required.
Birding for All
Saturday, June 8, 2024, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Locust Grove Nature Center , 7777 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, Md., 20817
Birding is for anyone interested in nature. This session in particular welcomes members of the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and accessibility communities into a hospitable learning environment. A park naturalist will introduce the hobby of birding and give helpful tips on spotting different species. A guided trail walk is also offered. Bring your own binoculars or borrow ours. Free. Registration required.
In the Life: Pride Celebration
Saturday, June 29, 2024, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Lake Artemesia, 8200 55th Avenue, College Park, MD 20740
Join us for an exciting and empowering workshop designed especially for LGBTQIA+ youth, family, and allies. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or new to the ballroom scene, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to express yourself, learn new skills, and connect with a vibrant community.”