LGBTQ Human Rights Organizations in Maryland

For over a decade, The Frederick Center has been the heart of LGBTQ+ community life in Frederick, MD, built on the foundation of peer-to-peer support and genuine human connection. Founded in 2012, this 501(c)(3) organization has grown into a trusted advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals and their families, guided by principles of community, respect, authenticity, equity, and intersectionality. The Frederick Center believes that LGBTQ+ people enrich the lives of the broader community and deserve to thrive in an environment where they are fully accepted and affirmed. The organization's guiding values emphasize collaboration with other community partners, transparency in all operations, and awareness-building about best practices for supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. What sets The Frederick Center apart is its deep commitment to fostering inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds and identities feel genuinely welcomed. Through diverse programming—from support groups and craft nights to holiday celebrations and community gatherings—the organization creates opportunities for meaningful connections and chosen family bonds. The Frederick Center's annual Pride celebration has become a defining community event, drawing thousands of LGBTQ+ people, allies, and families to celebrate together. Whether through resource directories, legal clinics, youth programs, or social events, The Frederick Center remains dedicated to supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Frederick, ensuring every person can be authentically themselves.

Founded in Leonardtown, MD in 2018 and renamed PFLAG Southern Maryland in 2023, this volunteer-driven organization has become a cornerstone of support for LGBTQ+ families across three counties. What distinguishes PFLAG Southern Maryland is its deep commitment to grassroots engagement—the entire chapter is run by dedicated volunteers from the local community who understand the unique needs and challenges facing families in this region. The organization recognizes that support takes many forms: monthly social events and peer-to-peer groups provide opportunities for families to find community and validation, while educational initiatives help transform understanding throughout Leonardtown and Southern Maryland. By collaborating with local institutions and maintaining an active presence at community events, PFLAG Southern Maryland ensures that LGBTQ+ families don't feel isolated or unsupported. The chapter's advocacy work reflects a belief that systemic change matters—working with local government, businesses, healthcare providers, and schools to build more inclusive policies and practices. For families in Southern Maryland seeking connection, information, and allies who understand their experiences, PFLAG Southern Maryland represents a welcoming community built on lived experience and genuine commitment to inclusion.

For over fifty years, PFLAG Columbia-Howard County has served as the extended family of the LGBTQ+ community, connecting parents, families, friends, and allies with those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+. Based in Columbia, MD, this all-volunteer chapter embodies PFLAG's founding mission: to build loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another while advocating until all hearts and minds respect, value, and affirm LGBTQ+ people. What began as a single letter of support has grown into a movement of millions, and PFLAG Columbia-Howard County carries forward this legacy by fostering dialogue, providing resources, and creating spaces where diverse families thrive. The chapter's leadership team, guided by values of integrity, pride, and community, believes that diversity is gained through mutual respect and trust. Members work together across generations to address critical issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, from safe and welcoming schools to workplace equality, family rights, and marriage equality. In the Columbia, MD area, PFLAG volunteers dedicate themselves to continuous learning, community engagement, and coalition-building to advance policy and systemic change. The organization measures itself by its words and actions, actively reaching out to build inclusive relationships with diverse communities. For families navigating questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, or for individuals seeking to become advocates for change, PFLAG Columbia-Howard County represents a compassionate, long-standing community presence rooted in the belief that all people deserve to be respected, valued, and affirmed.