Proud to be Out (and About): Outreach Team Updates from the Field

The Pride Center of Maryland's Outreach Team has been out in the community all summer, connecting with LGBTQ/SGL* Marylanders through Pride events, partnerships, and outreach opportunities. With Pride Month bringing triple the opportunities to connect face-to-face with Baltimore's community, the team built relationships with partner organizations, stocked tables with swag and resources, and helped make PCOM the word on the street.

Pride Week was a whirlwind, with PCOM tables appearing across Baltimore at Pride Center-hosted events. From the roller skating party at Shake & Bake to welcoming guests at the Twilight on the Terrace Gala, the Outreach Team greeted attendees with smiles, resources, and Pride swag. "It was such a blast to support the Pride Center and get a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into putting together these events," exclaimed one volunteer during the Wednesday afternoon Resource Fair in the Plaza. "It's hard work, but the team makes it look so fun and easy. It just feels great to connect with the community in a way that's meaningful."

After a rest-and-recoup week following Pride, the team stepped right back out to join Baltimore's beloved Orioles at their annual Pride Night with the O's game on Friday, June 26th. The team connected with sports-loving LGBTQ/SGL* folk, as well as families and youth, all the while sporting this year's Pride Night edition O's jersey.

Outreach kept the momentum going with a pop-up at the 19th Annual Boundary Block Party the next day, hosted by the No Boundaries Coalition. This resident-led organization works to strengthen Central West Baltimore through civic engagement, youth leadership, and community development. PCOM was proud to provide linkages to care, information on receiving free incentivized HIV testing, and bridged relationships with organizations serving other areas of Baltimore city.

Even when the outreach table couldn't be present at events or organizations, the team made sure that partners had what they needed to promote and support the organization. Community partners such as Written in Ink, a tattoo studio in Salisbury, spent Pride Month collecting donations for the Pride Center of Maryland through flash tattoo events.

The Outreach Team is grateful for the many opportunities to connect with communities across Baltimore and Maryland this Pride season. They look forward to an equally exciting summer ahead, because Pride and partnership doesn't end when June does. Be sure to follow the Pride Center of Maryland on Instagram (@pridecentermd) for live event coverage, flyers, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates from the Outreach Team. We'll see you around the block!