The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane across from the Bethesda Metro station, will host a grand opening event for the MoCo Pride Center on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 12 PM to 7 PM.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony, motivational speakers, food, entertainment, community events, and tours of the new facility are all planned for the occasion. In addition, the facility will start offering routine services like free HIV and STI screenings in collaboration with Us Helping Us on that day. The MoCo Pride Center will provide resources, assistance, and opportunities for connection to the LGBTQIA+ community in Montgomery County in a safe and inclusive environment. During the grand opening celebration, volunteers are asked to assist with tours, events, and greeting visitors.
The Montgomery County Pride Family is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of the Montgomery County Pride Family Resource Center, the first physical LGBTQIA+ Pride Center in Montgomery County, Maryland, led by human rights champion Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him). On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center will host the inaugural celebration.
The County’s dedication to LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented populations’ inclusion, care, and public investment has advanced significantly with this ground-breaking event. The Montgomery County Pride Family Resource Center, also called the MoCo Pride Center, will be open seven days a week and will be a permanent community center, gathering place, and safe haven for people of all ages, identities, and origins.
We are creating a future in which no one must question whether they belong, not merely opening a building. The goal of this institution is to establish long-term, publicly accessible infrastructure for collective liberty, culture, and care.The CEO of MoCo Pride Center Inc. is Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him).
A Community-Led Vision Comes to Life
An intricate web of LGBTQIA+ organizations collaborates with the Montgomery County Pride Family Resource Center to promote celebration, wellness, and justice. The Pride Family consists of:
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MoCo Pride Prom
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Live In Your Truth
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Trans Maryland
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Drag Story Hour DC/MD/VA
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Maryland Trans Unity
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Poolesville Pride
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The Coalition for Inclusive Schools & Communities
Together, these organizations are making Montgomery County a shining example of strong resistance, intergenerational care, and queer joy. Additionally, the Resource Center will feature events, programs, and support services aimed at addressing the pressing and changing needs of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Features of the Pride Family Resource Center
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Drop-In Hours 7 Days a Week (11:00 AM 7:00 PM)
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The Kason Mordechai Smith Inclusive Books Library & LGBTQIA+ Archive
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Monthly LGBTQIA+ Maker s Market Pop-Ups on every 4th Saturday
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Identity-Affirming Support Groups, Social Meet-Ups & Cultural Events
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Drop-In Hours 7 Days a Week (11:00 AM 7:00 PM)
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The Kason Mordechai Smith Inclusive Books Library & LGBTQIA+ Archive
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Monthly LGBTQIA+ Maker s Market Pop-Ups on every 4th Saturday
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Identity-Affirming Support Groups, Social Meet-Ups & Cultural Events
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Rotating Wellness Services: STI/HIV Testing through HHS Partners, Mental Health Referrals & Regular Fitness Classes
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Crisis Navigation, Referrals & Advocacy Clinics
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Public Art, Exhibits & Storytelling
This area has been purposefully created to be a haven of security, education, and support. The MoCo Pride Center, which prioritizes intersectional equality, family inclusion, and intergenerational programming, is a direct response to the growing assaults on LGBTQIA+ lives nationwide and an investment in the sort of future we all deserve.
Grand Opening Celebration Details
Date: August 30, 2025, SaturdayHours: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PMLocation: Chevy Chase Regional Services Center in BethesdaAdmission is free and available to everyone.
The inaugural event will include:
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Dynamic performances from LGBTQIA+ artists
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Remarks from community leaders and elected officials
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Family-friendly programming and affirming activities
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony
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Tours of the new MoCo Pride Center offices
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A celebratory launch of the LGBTQIA+ maker s market,
How Bazaar
, showcasing LGBTQIA+ artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs
Silencing us is not an option. We won’t be forgotten! Together, we are constructing, and we have only just begun. Let these words always reverberate throughout you, everyone in my community: You haven’t yet met everyone who will adore you. Live in your truth at all times, and you truly belong!Downie, Phillip Alexander
Avenues of Engagement
Our 30 Days of Giving campaign starts on August 1st! In order to work together on our future vision, the Montgomery County Pride Family Resource Center is constantly seeking volunteers and allies. There are several ways to participate in this event and help fund our ongoing programming listed below:
https://www.mocopridefamily.org/grand-opening#grand-opening-volunteer to sign up to assist with the Grand Opening
Volunteer regularly at the MoCo Pride Center by visiting this link: https://www.mocopridefamily.org/volunteer
https://www.mocopridefamily.org/sponsor-grand-opening to sponsor the grand opening
Join the Marketplace as a Vendor: https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-services#how-bazaar-vendor-app
Visit https://secure.givelively.org/donate/moco-pride-center to make a donation to the MoCo Pride Center.
About the Montgomery County Pride Family
A group of LGBTQIA+ advocacy, service, and artistic organizations, the Montgomery County Pride Family is dedicated to creating a society in which everyone may live freely, securely, and authentically in Montgomery County, Maryland, and the surrounding area. The Pride Family, led by MoCo Pride Center Inc., combines the strength of grassroots community service with fearless public leadership to address the present and influence the future.
Our mission is to support the LGBTQIA+ community’s unassailable right to self-determination, uplift the most marginalized, and spark long-lasting change via activism, solidarity, and empowerment.
MocoPride Family’s websiteOn Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, follow us at @MoCoPrideCenter.
