The Montgomery County Pride Family, under the leadership of human rights advocate Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him), is proud to announce the Grand Opening of the Montgomery County Pride Family Resource Center — the first physical LGBTQIA+ Pride Center in Montgomery County, Maryland. The opening celebration will take place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center.
This groundbreaking event marks a historic step forward in the County’s commitment to inclusion, care, and public investment in LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities. Open seven days a week, the Montgomery County Pride Family Resource Center (commonly known as the MoCo Pride Center) will serve as a permanent safe haven, gathering space, and community hub for people across generations, identities, and backgrounds.
“We are not just opening a building — we are building a future where no one has to wonder if they belong. This center is about creating permanent, public infrastructure for care, culture, and collective liberation.”
— Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him), CEO, MoCo Pride Center Inc.
Grand Opening Celebration Details
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
Admission: Free and Open to the Public
The opening event will feature:
Dynamic performances from LGBTQIA+ artists
Remarks from community leaders and elected officials
Family-friendly programming and affirming activities
A ribbon-cutting ceremony
Tours of the new MoCo Pride Center offices
A celebratory launch of the LGBTQIA+ maker’s market, How Bazaar, showcasing LGBTQIA+ artists, small businesses, and entrepreneurs
Volunteer to help with the Grand Opening: https://www.mocopridefamily.org/grand-opening#grand-opening-volunteer
Become a regular Volunteer and work at MoCo Pride Center: https://www.mocopridefamily.org/volunteer
Sponsor the Grand Opening: https://www.mocopridefamily.org/sponsor-grand-opening
Become a Vendor: https://www.mocopridefamily.org/pride-center-services#how-bazaar-vendor-app
Donate to MoCo Pride Center: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/moco-pride-center