North Baltimore Journal

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller on June 24 participated in Baltimore Pride to celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community. Alongside thousands of Marylanders, the governor and lieutenant governor celebrated the more than 500,000 Marylanders who identify as LGBTQIA+—all of whom make meaningful contributions to our communities, economy, culture, arts, and history. 

“On June 24 is a day when we say to our friends in the LGBTQ+ community, you aren’t just welcome, you are necessary,” said Gov. Moore. “In Maryland, we embrace one another – in Maryland, we stand with one another – and in Maryland, we leave no one behind. That is the power of on June 24, and I am grateful for all of you and your work to build a better and stronger state for everyone.”

“Pride is about living openly and joyfully as the person you are and being able to celebrate your identity,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “This administration has demonstrated through recognition, representation, and above all else, through action, that our LGBTQIA+ community in Maryland is seen, valued, and respected. We will continue to fight hand-in-hand as allies to our LGBTQIA+ community to ensure Maryland is a state where every single person can live proudly as their authentic self.” 

During a historic first six months in office, the Moore-Miller Administration has demonstrated support for LGBTQIA+ Marylanders and celebrated the contributions, resilience, courage, and joy of our LGBTQIA+ community. 

On March 31, Governor Moore became the first governor in Maryand's history to proclaim Transgender Day of Visibility in Maryland and was proud to sign the Trans Health Equity Act into law, which requires Maryland Medicaid to provide additional coverage for gender-affirming care beginning January 1, 2024. 

Governor Moore also signed an executive order that protects access to gender-affirming health care in Maryland, safeguarding the rights of individuals seeking, receiving, or providing gender affirming care in Maryland from attempts at legal punishment by other states.

Governor Moore earlier this month proclaimed June 2023 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Maryland—for the first time since 2013.The administration is proud to stand alongside LGBTQIA+ Marylanders as we stand together in making Maryland a more inclusive home for everyone. 

Original source can be found here.