Explore LGBTQ businesses and organizations in Maryland serving your community. Find law firms, medical practices, restaurants, retail stores, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and community services owned by or dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community. Connect with establishments that understand your cultural values and provide services in your language.
FreeState Justice emerged from the merger of FreeState Legal Project and Equality Maryland in spring 2016, uniting two pioneering organizations to create Maryland's only statewide LGBTQ legal advocacy nonprofit. Based in Baltimore, MD, this organization is built on the conviction that low-income LGBTQ individuals deserve more than legal representation—they deserve attorneys who understand their unique challenges and treat them with genuine respect and understanding.
The mission of FreeState Justice reflects a deep commitment to the LGBTQ community across Maryland. The organization recognizes that despite incremental judicial victories at the national level, low-income LGBTQ Marylanders continue to face systemic discrimination and complex legal obstacles that threaten their ability to live authentically. FreeState Justice responds to this reality by combining direct legal services with education and outreach, ensuring that vulnerable community members have access to knowledgeable, compassionate advocates who can navigate the intersection of law and LGBTQ identity.
With a team of fierce advocates from across Maryland and beyond, FreeState Justice brings diverse backgrounds in law, grassroots organizing, and political activism to serve the state's LGBTQ communities. The organization partners with community groups like BLAQ Equity Baltimore to deepen engagement and amplify support for marginalized populations within the LGBTQ community. Through pro bono legal services, policy advocacy, and community education, FreeState Justice works daily to create an inclusive Maryland where all LGBTQ people are free to live authentically and thrive.
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.
The Pride Center of Maryland stands as a long-standing community institution dedicated to uniting, empowering, and advocating for sexual and gender minorities throughout Baltimore and Central Maryland. As a non-profit organization led by CEO Cleo Manago, whose expertise in sexual minority health spans over two decades, PCOM is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from the communities it serves. The organization's 2019 name change to "The PRIDE Center of Maryland" reflects its commitment to contemporary frameworks that honor diverse histories and experiences rather than replicating dominant cultural narratives. PCOM's mission centers on being a catalyst for empowerment while advocating for a better quality of life, grounded in core values of community inclusion, respect, and diversity. The organization envisions a society where diverse sexual and gender minorities are affirmed without barriers to well-being, thriving, self-love, cultural affirmation, and social justice. Since 2021 alone, PCOM has held over 100 special events alongside regular monthly programming, creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves. The PCOMPlus membership program further strengthens community connection by rewarding members for valuing their health, relationships, and safety through exclusive workshops, networking opportunities, and VIP access to Baltimore Pride Festival events. Serving thousands of Maryland residents annually, PCOM remains committed to staying relevant within Baltimore's evolving culture while maintaining its unwavering dedication to equity and justice for all community members.
PFLAG Westminster - Carroll County represents a grassroots community of volunteers in Westminster, Maryland, united by a shared commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and celebrating human diversity. Composed entirely of volunteers representing all ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities, this nonprofit organization embodies the principle that diversity isn't merely celebrated—it is lived and experienced within their own membership.
Founded on the belief that every person deserves to be welcomed and supported, PFLAG Westminster operates with three core pillars: providing support to help individuals navigate an often adverse society, offering education to enlighten communities about sexual orientation and gender identity, and engaging in advocacy to eliminate discrimination and secure equal civil rights. The organization is intentionally non-sectarian and non-political, creating space for people from diverse faith backgrounds and belief systems to come together.
Meeting at St. Paul's United Church of Christ—an Open and Affirming congregation—PFLAG Westminster provides a welcoming sanctuary where individuals can connect authentically with others on similar journeys. The chapter's commitment extends beyond meetings to active community participation, including marching in Pride Parades as an expression of unconditional love and engaging in legislative advocacy. Whether someone is questioning their identity, supporting a loved one, or seeking community as an ally, PFLAG Westminster - Carroll County welcomes all people seeking connection, understanding, and collective action toward building a society that respects and celebrates human diversity.
Since its founding in 2015, PFLAG Salisbury has emerged as a vital community organization dedicated to celebrating diversity and ensuring all people are respected, valued, and affirmed in Salisbury, Maryland. As part of a national grassroots movement with over 400 chapters and 250,000 members, PFLAG Salisbury leads with love and service, operating as ambassadors of hope and inclusivity for the entire Lower Shore region. The organization's mission centers on building loving families united with LGBTQ+ people and allies who support one another, while educating the broader community to advocate for full equality and acceptance. What sets PFLAG Salisbury apart is its tangible impact on the community—from introducing Maryland's first rainbow crosswalk to partnering with the City of Salisbury on Pride on the Plaza celebrations and influencing the passage of inclusive gender-neutral bathroom ordinances. The chapter welcomes people from all backgrounds and identities, recognizing that together, communities are stronger. PFLAG Salisbury understands that change happens at the grassroots level and remains committed to making Salisbury a more welcoming place for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Through monthly meetings, educational resources, community events, and collaborative partnerships with local organizations, PFLAG Salisbury continues advancing its vision of a world where sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are celebrated. The organization invites all LGBTQ+ individuals, parents, families, and allies to join their growing community of support and advocacy.
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.
PFLAG Chestertown, also known as PFLAG Mid-Shore, is a grassroots community organization dedicated to ensuring that all LGBTQ+ individuals are valued by society and take pride in themselves. Born from a 2011 community effort to support marriage equality, the chapter has grown into a vital resource for families across the Chestertown, MD area who are navigating their journeys with LGBTQ+ loved ones.
The organization's mission centers on three core pillars: providing peer-to-peer support that connects families facing similar experiences, educating the broader community about LGBTQ+ issues and concerns, and advocating for inclusive policies and laws that protect and empower LGBTQ+ people. What sets PFLAG Chestertown apart is its dual commitment to both grassroots community support and strategic advocacy work. Members work collaboratively at the local level to help families navigate schools and support systems, while simultaneously engaging in state-level efforts to combat discriminatory legislation and expand legal protections.
Founded on the belief that family voices matter, PFLAG Chestertown amplifies the perspectives of parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family members who stand in solidarity with their LGBTQ+ loved ones. The chapter operates with accountability and transparency, holding itself responsible for meaningful action and clear communication. By connecting individuals with resources, fostering supportive relationships, and fighting for systemic change, PFLAG Chestertown embodies its core message: that every person deserves to be safe, celebrated, and loved for who they are.
PFLAG Baltimore is part of a historic movement dedicated to affirming the dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ people within families and communities across Baltimore, MD. Founded on the principle that families united with LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can create meaningful change, PFLAG Baltimore brings together multiple generations of supporters who share a vision of a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected. The organization's roots run deep in the national LGBTQ+ movement, with a proven track record of supporting approximately 250,000 members and supporters across America. In Baltimore, the chapter embodies PFLAG's core mission: to build loving communities, educate ourselves and our neighbors, and advocate collectively until all hearts and minds recognize the inherent value of LGBTQ+ people. What sets PFLAG Baltimore apart is its emphasis on family connection and intergenerational dialogue, creating spaces where parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends can process their experiences alongside LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization recognizes that acceptance begins at home and extends outward into workplaces, schools, and faith communities. By fostering genuine relationships and honest conversations, PFLAG Baltimore works to transform understanding and build the inclusive society its members envision for all.
In Annapolis, Maryland, PFLAG Annapolis - Anne Arundel County stands as a beacon of acceptance and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones. This chapter embodies PFLAG's vision of a world where diversity is celebrated and every person is respected, valued, and affirmed regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Founded on the principle that families united with LGBTQ+ people create powerful change, PFLAG Annapolis brings together parents, families, friends, and allies who are committed to supporting one another and educating their communities. The organization recognizes that acceptance begins at home and extends outward through education, advocacy, and compassionate dialogue. By serving the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County area, this chapter creates safe spaces where people can share experiences, find understanding, and work together toward a more inclusive society.
As an official chapter of the national PFLAG organization, PFLAG Annapolis - Anne Arundel County draws on decades of experience while maintaining strong local connections. Their mission centers on speaking up as advocates until all hearts and minds respect and affirm LGBTQ+ people. Whether someone is just beginning their journey of understanding or has long been an active ally, the community in Annapolis welcomes all who believe in the power of love, acceptance, and authentic belonging.
Join Greedy Reads bookseller Leela Chantrelle for the Black Folx Book Club, a reading space for Black women and Black queers reading works by Black women and Black queers.
The Black Folx Book Club meets in person at our Remington store. Please register here to let us know you'll join us!
For February, Be Steadwell, author of Chocolate Chip City, will join for the conversation!