About Us
OUR HISTORY
The Pride Center of Maryland (PCOM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring Maryland’s sexual and gender minority communities (LGBTQ+/SGL (same-gender-loving) have equal access to care, services, and a space to be their authentic selves. We offer over 30 programs and services that reflect our dedication to this objective, including education, advocacy, and support for individuals, families, and allies.
PCOM utilizes community-led, cutting-edge, innovative programs, producing culturally, linguistically, gender, sexuality, and age-appropriate services and activities to increase awareness, access to mental and medical care, and numerous essential support and empowerment services. Please go to this link to review PCOM’s list of services.
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PCOM’s organizational structure is led by CEO Cleo Manago, who has provided leadership regarding sexual minorities, particularly minority health concerns nationally, for over two decades. PCOM’s Board of Directors consists of individual representatives of the populations PCOM serves, oversees the CEO, sets policy, provides program development input, and conducts strategic planning. PCOM’s financial management system is led by Alice Reynolds.
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As a long-standing fixture within Baltimore and Maryland, PCOM remains committed to staying relevant within our ever-evolving culture and society. In February 2019, the Board of Directors voted to change the name to "The PRIDE Center of Maryland." This name change underscores our unwavering dedication to a more contemporary framework that does not repeat tendencies to replicate one dominating culture, not neglecting the diverse histories and experiences representing the human family.
PCOM, previously known as GLCCB, has convened the Baltimore Pride Festival, the largest cultural event in Maryland, for over 40 years. The Baltimore Pride Festival now attracts over 100,000 diverse people annually, raises awareness on LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) issues, and provides a platform for entertainment, affirmation, advocacy, action, and the prevention of threats to well-being, justice, and self-conceptual health.
Since 2021, PCOM has held over 100 special events in addition to our regular monthly programming, including the Silver Circle for elders to mingle, self-defense and fitness workshops, and Transcend - a spectrum of programs, services, social support, and safe space for trans and non-binary identified individuals.
PCOM also offers Youth Making-Change and Evolving (YME) for youth ages 13-34. YME offers a safe space for SGM youth to lead, learn, grow, and connect to opportunities for support and resources.
While PCOM’s headquarters are based in Baltimore, the agency has a presence throughout the state, including in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Frederick, and Charles counties, and conducts outreach and education activities within those counties, working with local organizations and city councils to meet the demand for Pride-related advocacy and affirmation.
Values
Community
Inclusion
Respect
Diversity
SIZZLE REEL
