Show Our LGBTQIA+ Pride

As outlined in Nick’s comprehensive plan to advance equity and human rights in Baltimore County (read more), we must embrace the full spectrum of people who make up our community — because our diversity is our strength. The LGBTQIA+ community intersects with every other constituency in this county, and the work ahead for our LGBTQIA+ neighbors is inseparable from our broader efforts to build a more inclusive, modern Baltimore County

Courage to Modernize with Equity

Baltimore County has always shown courage — from fending off British forces in the War of 1812, to the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, to the daily bravery of our LGBTQIA+ community.

We will honor that courage with action:

• Inclusive Restrooms: Require all single-user restrooms in public buildings to be gender-neutral, with the same requirement for new construction.
• Modernize County Code: Replace outdated, exclusionary language with inclusive, gender-neutral terms and pursue equitable updates to the County Charter and ordinances — including cultural competency training for all county employees.
• LGBTQIA+ Affairs Commission: Establish a new commission to coordinate with BCPS, nonprofits and government agencies to strengthen mental health services, community supports and workforce opportunities for DEI advocates.
  • Charge the commission with exploring the creation of a Baltimore County Pride Center, a year-round hub for programs, advocacy and affirming services
• School Support: Fund dedicated staff in BCPS to lead LGBTQIA+ initiatives, develop LGBTQIA+-inclusive curriculum and encourage the recognition of October as LGBTQIA+ History Month.
• Support LGBTQIA+ Communities: Build strong partnerships with organizations serving LGBTQIA+ youth, seniors and families
  • Expand services for homeless LGBTQIA+ youth
  • Prioritize economic equity for LGBTQIA+-owned small businesses
  • Fund LGBTQIA+ health navigators in the County Health Department to help residents access affirming care
• Protect Crisis Supports: Provide county backup funding for the LGBTQIA+ 988 sub-hotline after federal cuts, ensuring residents always have access to trained crisis counselors.
• Bring Pride Home: Establish a countywide Pride Parade so LGBTQIA+ residents and allies can celebrate right here at home — not just in neighboring counties or the city.
• Trans Sanctuary County: Designate Baltimore County as a “trans sanctuary,” pledging not to use county resources to enforce discriminatory federal or state policies targeting transgender or non-binary individuals, safeguarding access to gender-affirming care and ensuring harmful legislation remains the lowest enforcement priority.

A County that is Home and Welcoming to Everyone

Equity demands action. With Nick’s leadership, Baltimore County will ensure we are a safe, welcoming and inclusive community with protections for the vulnerable and dignity and respect for everyone.

These are not token gestures — they are actionable policies to make Baltimore County safer and more inclusive for every resident.