Mayor O'Connor Discusses Further Efforts Towards Inclusivity and the Importance of Pride Month

On Tuesday, June 17, 2024, Mayor Michael O'Connor held a Pride Month briefing, where he reflected on the previous efforts made by The City of Frederick and announced a series of ongoing initiatives to support the LGBTQ+ communities. This Briefing was held at Showroom's Pride on the Patio event, which aimed to gather the community to celebrate Pride Month. The announcements below highlight how The City continues supporting the LGBTQ+ individuals in the Frederick community.

Specific initiatives and investments include:

• The Pride Visibility Grant, which was established through the budget process with the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. The grant will support and incentivize LGBTQ+-friendly events throughout Pride Month. The support this grant provides is important in ensuring opportunities to celebrate this important group within the Frederick Community.

• $20,000 earmarked for The Frederick Center through the Community Promotion Grant. This funding will help the Center continue providing critical services to the LGBTQ+ community in Frederick.

• The establishment of an LGBTQ+ affinity group for City of Frederick employees. This group will provide a space for members to find support, feel better connected to the organization, and continue the commitment that Frederick has made to strive for inclusivity.

"In total, Pride Month is a time for celebration, reflection, and action. It's a time to honor the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing work of creating a world where everyone is free to be their authentic selves. By supporting and celebrating our LGBTQ+ community, we strengthen our city and ensure that Frederick remains a place where everyone can thrive," said Mayor O'Connor.

For more information, contact Manager of Communications Allen Etzler, at [email protected].