A Vision for Inclusivity: Phillip Alexander Downie’s First Message as CEO

Hello, Montgomery County!

My name is Phillip Alexander Downie, and I am deeply honored to introduce myself as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the MoCo Pride Center and Montgomery County Pride Family. As a long-time advocate for human rights and a passionate organizer in the LGBTQIA+ community, I am thrilled to take on this role and continue our mission of serving, uplifting, and empowering our community members who are most underserved, marginalized, and disenfranchised.

My journey in activism began with a simple yet profound belief that everyone deserves to live authentically and be celebrated for who they are. This belief has guided my work, from creating safe spaces and advocacy programs to producing award-winning local television content. It is a joy showcasing our fabulous intersectional community's rich diversity.

Alongside historic pride events with Montgomery County Council Member Evan Glass in 2019, I had the privilege of reintroducing a county-wide pride in Montgomery County, featuring a diverse lineup of LGBTQIA+ artists and performers. Working with the incredible trans activist Miss Peppermint as our headliner, we ensured the bold representation of black trans women, setting the stage for future events celebrating our community's strength and diverse beauty.

I have had the best community partners in creating inclusive programs and spaces for our most marginalized communities! Through these partnerships, as board chair of MoCo Pride Center, inc., I galvanized local LGBTQIA+ service, support, and arts & culture organizations to create the Montgomery County Pride Family. I served as a Co-Chair on the Montgomery County Anti-Hate Task Force, where we delivered comprehensive recommendations to fight hate and bias incidences within our communities. In April 2024, I was elected the first Chief Executive Officer of the MoCo Pride Center and Montgomery County Pride Family. This appointment is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective effort of countless advocates, community members, and allies who believe in the power of unity and inclusivity.

As CEO, I will work to ensure that Montgomery County, Maryland, has the services and programs necessary to support our most underserved, marginalized, and disenfranchised communities. This includes leading and expanding initiatives such as our linkage to wellness programs, LIYT Nights & Drag Duels—where every aspect is cultivated to empower our most vulnerable community members. Our programs are not just stunning series of shows with phenomenal entertainment; they also authentically represent marginalized communities in local media, allowing individuals to see themselves reflected in the programs they engage with! Of equal importance is the eclectic mix of free services and wellness resources offered in our programs, focusing on serving those who need it most. All of this in a safe and affirming environment. We partner with government programs, NGOs, and community-oriented businesses to combat ongoing epidemics. These include: Fighting Opioid overdoses, combating hate and bias within our schools and communities, providing culturally competent trainings, providing HIV and STI education and prevention resources, name and gender marker change services, Trans and Nonbinary support groups, expungement clinics, resources for returning citizens, food and housing insecurity resources, inclusive multilingual family literacy programs, affirming diverse faith and spiritual resources, affirming safe spaces, and more.

One of my proudest accomplishments is our 2024 Emmy-nominated and Gold Telly Award-winning local TV show and linkage to wellness program series, LIYT Nights & Drag Duels, which returns to Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring on Friday, May 31st, and Friday, June 21st. Join us for these fabulous, free, amazing events! 

In this, I would like to acknowledge my  Black, Indigenous, POC, Intersectional Queer siblings. My Trans, Non-binary, and gender-expansive siblings, and all of my LGBTQIA+ community members and families, I see you, WE SEE YOU! And WE PRIORITIZE YOU! 

Live In Your Truth (LIYT) creates comprehensive linkage to wellness programs, affirming safe spaces, events, media, and employment opportunities for intersectional Black, LGBTQIA+, and IPOC underserved communities throughout Montgomery County, MD, and the DMV, where everyone is welcome! LIYT is HERE FOR YOU! 

Maryland Trans Unity leads in-person and virtual support groups at accessible locations in Montgomery County, MD., FOR YOU! 

Trans Maryland and the incredible Director, Mx. Lee Blinder (they/them), who also serves as Chair of the Maryland LGBTQIA+ Commission, is here for YOU! Under the direction of Mx. Lee Blinder, Trans Maryland is an integral program partner and leads Trans Maryland's peer-to-peer name and gender marker change program. They continue to develop safe spaces, both virtual and in-person, and facilitate a weekly Trans Maryland support group. They often serve as a central intake person for displaced trans and queer youth, but need your support!

Additionally, Trans MD works to expand vital partnerships with local trans and gender-affirming organizations, families, and individuals. In our legislatures, Trans Maryland leads and organizes to ensure legal protections for all of our gender-diverse, trans, and non-binary community members. As I said, we are HERE FOR YOU!

These programs, alongside other initiatives like MoCo Pride Prom (taking place on June 1st at the Silver Spring Civic Center), the Pride Center’s longest-standing program that has been exponentially grown by its Chairperson, Janine Raucher (she/her), since she founded the program alongside other community members and LGBTQIA+ families nearly a decade ago; and Drag Story Hour DMV, aim to uplift and empower every community member. 

Speaking of Drag Story Hour DMV, Beth DiGregorio (they/them) is doing phenomenal work! This intergenerational multilingual literacy program continues to serve as a beacon of community inspiration and a fun exploration of family reading time. It desensitizes individuals to gender-expansive and diverse community members through the art of Drag! Check out Drag Story Hour monthly at Loyalty Book Store in Silver Spring, Maryland, and throughout the DMV and Baltimore. Follow Drag Story Hour DMV here! 

I am deeply committed to working closely with our Pride Family partners and Board of Directors to secure funding and resources that ensure the success of our programs—collaborating with experts in sociology, medicine, and gender/sexuality diversity. We offer cultural competency training internally and with partner organizations, fostering a broader understanding and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

As we advance in solidarity, we will continue building on our successes and expanding our reach. Together, we can create a more inclusive Montgomery County where everyone feels valued and supported. I am excited about the future and our opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Thank you for always welcoming me into this incredible community. I look forward to working with all of you to make Montgomery County a beacon of personal authenticity, inclusivity, and joy.

In love, joy, and solidarity,

Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him)

Email me at pad@mocopridecenter.org to say hello!