The Woodmoor Neighborhood in Silver Spring hosted a Pride march and parade for the first time ever this past Sunday. The five-block march was organized by Bonnie Friedman and Kelissa Orsinwho are a part of the Inclusive Woodmoor. Hundreds of allies and members of the community joined, many marched with flags and homemade posters.

In attendance was Representative Jamie Raskin to help spread the message “you are welcome here.”  The neighborhood holds many memories of his son, Tommy who tragically lost a battle with his mental health in 2020. His son knocked on those very doors to help campaign for his father and graduated from Blair High School like many.

Montgomery County’s first openly gay council member, Evan Glass, wanted to make sure he joined in solidarity and even had the opportunity to share a few words. In 2019, Glass rose the Pride flag in front of the county council and received so much backlash and hateful comments that his offices stopped answering the phone. Evan has made a commitment to ensure that Montgomery County is a safe and inclusive space for all residents.