Latest news with #MoCoPrideCenter
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Montgomery Co., LGBTQ+ leaders discuss potential impact of Trump's suicide hotline proposal
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) – The Trump Administration is proposing to eliminate a division of the nation's suicide hotline that specifically serves LGBTQ+ youth. On Wednesday, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and leaders in the county's LGBTQ+ community say the changes could be a matter of life and death. 'This presidency has brought a heightened level of fear and uncertainty not only for myself,' Phillip Alexander Downie, CEO of the MoCo Pride Center, said, 'but for many LGBTQIA+ people.' First-ever Capital Cup in DMV celebrates LGBTQ+ sports community Downie grew up in Montgomery County and says he's pleased with the progress the county has made in creating safe spaces for him and others in the LGBTQ+ community to be themselves authentically. 'Having local governments like Montgomery County actively affirm our community makes all of the difference,' he said. But Downie says that progress is now being threatened by the Trump Administration. 'To have a current president and administration who is actively seeking to dismantle protections for anyone who is not a white, cis, straight male, 'he said, 'that is extremely scary.' According to a leaked draft of the federal budget, President Trump has plans to eliminate a service within the 988 Suicide and Crisis Prevention Hotline that specifically serves the LGBTQ+ community. Downie says this would be detrimental if passed. 'It's lifesaving,' he said, 'It is absolutely lifesaving having that number available for youth.' Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich agrees. 'We all know that the LGBTQ+ community youth face higher risks of suicide,' Elrich said. 'Cutting off support in the middle of a mental health crisis is cruel and it's dangerous.' Dr. Amena Johnson serves as the LGBTQ+ Liaison in the county's Office of Community Partnership. She worries about what may be in store for the LGBTQ+ community over the next three years. 'It is very clear in the wording that this administration is using that they are trying to criminalize parents that support their trans children,' Johnson said, 'but also, anyone who supports transpeople and trans youth.' President Trump's budget is not yet finalized. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
7th annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony held in Rockville
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () – Dozens of people were at Veterans Memorial Plaza in Rockville Tuesday morning for the 7th annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony. It's an event that is meant to celebrate and acknowledge members of the LGBTQ+ community who call Montgomery County home. 'As we raise the flag, we do more than celebrate Pride, we issue a declaration that we are here, we are whole and we will not be erased,' Phillip Alexander Downie, who grew up in Montgomery County and now serves as the executive director for the MoCo Pride Center, said. Countdown to WorldPride: Music festival lineup announced People in Rockville are celebrating the positive impact that the LGBTQ+ community has had on the county. 'Pride is a time to affirm our commitment to inclusion and equity and diversity and acceptance,' Montgomery County councilmember Evan Glass said. Glass, who is openly gay, was among the dozens who attended the annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Plaza. 'The flag is a symbol of love of resilience and of authenticity,' he said, Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) was there to show his support for the community. 'We can all take pride in the fact that we live in a county that is committed to the success and the flourishing and the belonging of every person who lives here and every young person who is growing up here,' Raskin said. Grammy Award-winning artist Doechii to close out WorldPride DC With more work to be done, many recognize the need to reaffirm that commitment. 'We're proud to raise this flag,' Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said. 'We're proud to be in this work with you, and we're not going anywhere.' Montgomery County's first LGBTQ+ Community Center will open in Bethesda later this summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
