Rockville Celebrates Ninth Annual Pride Gathering

Rockville came alive on Sunday as it hosted its ninth annual Pride celebration. The vibrant event was a collaborative effort between the city, its Human Rights Commission, and a variety of organizations and sponsors dedicated to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. It took place at the Rockville Town Center Park at the Square, transforming the area into a colorful and welcoming space for all attendees.

City Clerk Sara Taylor-Ferrell, who also serves as the director of council operations, expressed the city’s commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment. "We want our community to know how safe and protected they are," Taylor-Ferrell stated. "This gathering is about families, friendship, and community engagement. It’s just a good event for everyone involved."

Taylor-Ferrell emphasized the sense of security and comfort that the Rockville community experiences during the Pride event. She hopes for its continued growth in the years to come, envisioning it as a lasting legacy for the city. "I think this is going to be a great thing that we can say our legacy is with Pride," she added.

Among the participating organizations were the Rainbow Youth Alliance, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, the Barker Adoption Foundation, and Maryland Trans Unity. These groups set up along the Square to spread awareness and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, providing resources and information to those in attendance.

Shane Henise, program director for the Rainbow Youth Alliance, highlighted the significance of the event for young people. The Alliance supports LGBTQ+ teens aged 13 to 18, offering a safe space and community. "I think this is a really hard time for queer and trans youth generally," Henise mentioned. "We want them to know they have a safe place to come." Henise noted the increasing importance of Pride, particularly in light of challenges such as the debates surrounding gender-affirming care for youth. "We want to counteract the negativity with positivity. You are who you are. We love you, and we support you," he affirmed.

The event drew a crowd of around 50 people gathered to listen to speeches, with hundreds more circulating through to enjoy the various activities. Rockville’s Mayor, Monique Ashton, alongside other City Council members, addressed the attendees and affirmed the importance of Pride. Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass also spoke, emphasizing the county’s commitment to leading with love and inclusivity. "We, the LGBTQ+ community, are under threat, but there is nowhere I’d rather be than Montgomery County," Glass declared. "We welcome our neighbors, love them fairly and justly. That's what pride is all about."

In addition to speeches, the event featured a variety of activities and performances. Rainbow flags adorned the town square as attendees visited information tables, shopped at a clothing pop-up, and participated in face painting. A voter registration table was also available, encouraging civic engagement within the community. Performances included acts by the local band The Nighthawks, Rockville Musical Theater members, and a drag queen from Drag Story Hour, who read picture books to children, weaving a sense of magic and inclusion into the day.

Cynethia Williams, Montgomery County chair of Free Mom Hugs, noted the palpable sense of pride and family throughout the event. "There’s happiness and excitement about our future," Williams remarked. "It’s great to see that so many people are saying, ‘They’re not going to take this from us.’" Williams, who identifies as a queer and Black woman, viewed her presence at Rockville Pride as an act of revolution. "I’m a revolter from birth," she stated. "Being here is a revolt. It’s time for us to get together and fight." Free Mom Hugs aims to ensure their presence is felt, offering support and love to those who need it. "We’re here to cheer them on, hug them, give them love," she concluded.

The day was a testament to the resilience and unity of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, showcasing a powerful message of love, acceptance, and celebration.