Montogomery County will host its fourth annual Pride in the Plaza celebration on Sunday, June 30 from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Veterans Plaza, and the day will be packed full of family fun activities.
The free event is organized in partnership with the county, Live in Your Truth, and the MoCo Pride Center. The celebration will feature food, a family fun area, a resource fair, the finale of Drag Duels and much more.
Phillip Alexander Downie, CEO of Montgomery County Pride Family and founder of Live in Your Truth, recognized there is much to see and do throughout the day. He said the goal of events like Pride in the Plaza is to ensure there are affirming safe spaces for people to live authentically.
“The need for pride isn’t just about a celebration,” Downie said. “The need for pride is to address the disparities in basically every measurable wellness category that significantly affects LGBTQIA+ people.”
Pride month offers a few days of the year that the community can find comfort and be their authentic selves, Downie added. He said being an ally is extremely important and is the best way people can support one another.
In a press release earlier this month, County Executive Marc Elrich encouraged all community members to attend Sunday’s festival.
“We want everyone to know that they have a place here in this community,” Elrich said. “Pride in the Plaza is a fun way to do that, and its reputation as one of the most popular events in the region is well deserved.”
Attendees can expect:
- The Fabulous Family Fun Zone. The whole family will can enjoy various kid-friendly activities, such as science experiments, an outdoor dance party, crafts and drag story hours offered in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
- A market place & resource fair. Visit over 120 local LGBTQIA+ owned and supportive businesses, artists, non-profits, allied faith-based organizations and other partners. Pick up locally made goods and valuable information.
- A health services suite. In honor of National HIV Testing Day, Montgomery County Sexual Health & Wellness Services is offering free HIV and sexually transmitted infection screenings, sexual health education sessions and mpox vaccinations.
- The Drag Duels Finale. This Emmy-nominated and Gold Telly Award-winning drag lip syncing competition will close out on the Pride in the Plaza mainstage. Watch jaw-dropping performances and find out who will be crowned the next Drag Duels Champion.
- The annual Mini-Ball. MC Boom Boom Balenciaga will lead a battle for cash prizes. The ball is all about celebrating individuality, and participants are encouraged to let their personalites shine through their outfits.
- Food vendors. Cool down with a icey drink and enjoy snacks like popcorn, cupcakes and more.
- A fashion show with Jayzeer Shantey. The county and its partners are excited to present the first-ever Pride in the Plaza fashion show, where attendees can experience glamour, artistry and cultural pride.
Downie is proud of the impact that work like this has had in Montgomery County. Going forward, he said the community needs to expand upon this work and ensure sure that these resources are accessible throughout the year.
“We’re trying to ensure that everyone knows that we’re just all people, and the only way to treat people is with love, kindness and respect,” Downie said.
Photo: © pyty – stock.adobe.com / Montgomery County Graphic