Local
Advocacy group assails Mont. Co. schools over ‘ex-gay’ flier
But superintendent can’t stop distribution of materials
Truth Wins Out's Wayne Besen. (photo by Michael Murphy)
As the Blade reported earlier this week, alarmed parents contacted the school district to complain about roughly 8,000 fliers distributed to young students claiming sexual orientation is not permanent, and that the organization — Parents & Friends Of Ex-Gays and Gays, or PFOX — can offer services and resources for youths experiencing “unwelcome” same-sex attraction.
“While non-profit literature must not be blocked based on viewpoint, it can and should be prohibited if it contains blatant misinformation that jeopardizes the health and well being of students,” wrote TWO’s executive director Wayne Besen in the letter to Starr. “The PFOX flier easily fits this description and the group has a dubious history that includes bizarre and bigoted practices that have no place in your public school system.”
The letter notes that the president of PFOX is on record using anti-gay hate speech and epithets, such as “faggot” when describing the gay community.
“Let’s not beat around the bush: If an unsavory organization insulted other minorities with despicable epithets and demanded that they be ‘exported’ or jailed – no school in Montgomery County would be distributing their leaflets,” Besen writes in the letter. “The fact that you would allow this politically motivated organization to spread its noxious message about LGBT people shows an unreasonable and unfathomable double standard.”
The district responded to Besen with the following:
Thank you very much for your correspondence regarding the fliers from PFOX. Many other community members and students have also emailed the Board of Education regarding the nature of these fliers.
First, I would like to say that Superintendent Dr. Starr has stated on the record that these fliers are reprehensible. I also empathize with your concerns and am acutely aware of the inappropriate content disguised within these fliers. Neither the Board of Education, MCPS, nor I support or endorse the content contained within these fliers. Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do to prevent PFOX from distributing these fliers because we are bound by the law.
Current practice regarding the distribution of flyers is a direct result of a 2006 opinion by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Below are links to that opinion, as well as an August 2006 memorandum to the Board of Education, both of which put in context the current MCPS Board Policy and MCPS Regulation regarding distribution of flyers.
1. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/meetings/agenda/2006-07/2006-0824/CNA%20Revision%20Board%20Item.pdf
2. http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data2/circs/4th/031534p.pdf
3. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/cna.pdf
4. http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/pdf/cnara.pdfIn most cases, fliers that are distributed in school are for legitimate opportunities offered by non-profit associations. PFOX is able to forward its agenda by distributing these fliers because it apparently meets sufficient criteria to fall under the auspices of this court ruling. Although we cannot stop the distribution of such fliers, we in MCPS are committed to promoting values of diversity and acceptance in our school system by teaching students how to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate information.
Please rest assured that we in Montgomery County Public Schools are always extremely receptive to the community and towards promoting a culture of the twenty-first century.
Best,
Alan Xie
Student Member of the Board of Education
When reached for comment, a school district spokesperson expressed sympathy for those who were outraged by the flier, but repeated the district claim that the situation was unavoidable under the law.
“4th Circuit Court made it clear that if we’re going to send home any fliers that we have to send home any 501(c)3 non-profit fliers,” said school district spokesperson Dana Tofig, when contacted by the Blade Wednesday. “Dr. Starr finds what PFOX says reprehensible …but the courts made it clear that we’re in a very tight box.”
On Feb. 7, Superintendent Starr held a televised student town hall, where the PFOX fliers came up almost immediately in a twitter question from a student.
“I find the actions of PFOX to be reprehensible and deplorable,” Starr told the gathering of students at Wooten High. “We are bound by law, …Circuit Court in District four, to enable non-profits to distribute fliers…”
Starr said he hopes a solution can be found that allows the school district to avoid this circumstance in the future.
“We can’t really do that much about it, unless we want to cut off all flier distribution — which is an option,” he said. “We’re bound to do it. And this group …has figured out a way to use that law to spread what I find to be a really disgusting message, quite frankly.”
Tofig indicated that the both the school district and Superintendent Starr would like to avoid controversies like this in the future, but that the district has yet to find a way to exclude material presented by organizations like PFOX if they are to include materials presented by the Parent-Teacher Association, which is also a non-profit.
“[Superintendent Starr] is disturbed by this and it’s frustrating for him and for the school system. We are limited in what we can do, but if people have ideas we’re perfectly willing to listen.”
“If people have other ideas, bring them on,” Tofig concluded.
Besen is skeptical that the school district will do much to avoid this situation in the future unless their hand is forced.
“I think that the school district will do nothing unless we do a larger campaign,” Besen told the Blade on Wednesday. “They are receiving horrible legal advice. We are not objecting based on viewpoint, but the specific group of people behind PFOX. They are a clear and present threat to students and the school district is blindly hiding behind legalese to justify it not keeping pupils out of harm’s way.”
District of Columbia
LGBTQ budget advocates fight for D.C. resources in a tough fiscal year
‘Trying to preserve life-saving services’ amid $1 billion cut
The months and days leading up to June are especially busy for LGBTQ Washingtonians. For one group, the DC LGBT Budget Coalition, which works year-round to ensure LGBTQ residents are represented and financially supported by the D.C. government, this time of year is their Super Bowl. Beginning in April, the D.C. Council and Mayor’s Office hold budget hearings for the next fiscal year.
With D.C.’s budget now under review, the Washington Blade spoke with Heidi Ellis, coordinator of the DC LGBT Budget Coalition, about the group’s top priorities and their push to ensure continued support for queer communities.
“The LGBTQ Budget Coalition was founded in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, as a way for the community to work together to advocate for key funding and policy changes,” Ellis said. “We recognized we were stronger together. A lot of groups are often pitted against each other for resources and dollars. This coalition was founded out of a need for unity. Since then, we’ve successfully advocated for more than $20 million in dedicated LGBTQ investments.”
In addition to coordinating the coalition, Ellis is the founder and CEO of HME Consulting & Advocacy, a firm that helps build coalitions and advance policy initiatives that address intersectional issues in the LGBTQ community. One of its most powerful tools, she explained, is direct outreach through community surveys.
“We actually do community surveys to see what people need and what’s top of mind,” Ellis said. “Of course, we also pay attention to the broader political landscape — like the current threats to HIV funding. That helps us prioritize.”
Because the coalition is comprised of more than 20 organizations across various sectors —healthcare, housing, community organizing — Ellis said its diversity enables it to connect grassroots needs to potential policy solutions.
“Our coalition includes service providers, community groups, health and housing advocates-folks who are deeply plugged into what’s happening on the ground,” she said. “They help determine our direction. We know we don’t represent every queer person in D.C., but our coalition reflects a wide range of identities and experiences.”
The insights gathered through those surveys ultimately inform the coalition’s annual budget proposal, which is submitted to the Council and mayor.
“That’s how we got to our FY26 priorities,” she said. “This year, more than ever, we’re fighting to protect what we’ve already secured — funding and policies we’ve had to fight for in the past. We know there’s concern around this budget.”
One of the challenges this year is that the D.C. government’s operating budget and some of its legislation must be approved by Congress. With a projected decline in tax revenue and a Republican-controlled Congress that has historically opposed LGBTQ funding, the Coalition has had to think strategically.
“Even before the situation on the Hill, the CFO projected lower revenue,” Ellis said. “That meant cuts to social programs were already coming. And now, with the $1 billion slashed from D.C.’s budget due to the continuing resolution, we’re not only fighting for D.C.’s budget and autonomy, but also trying to preserve life-saving services. Our message is simple: Don’t forget about queer people.”
This year’s proposal doesn’t include specific dollar figures. Instead, the Coalition outlines five funding priority areas: Healthcare, Employment & Economic Equity, Housing, Safety & Community Support, and Civil Rights.
Why no exact amounts? Ellis said it’s because not all solutions are financial.
“Some of our asks don’t require new funding. Others build on existing programs-we’re asking whether the current use of funds is the most effective. We’re also proposing policy changes that wouldn’t cost extra but could make a real difference. It’s about using what we have better,” she said.
When drafting the proposal, the Coalition tries to prioritize those with the most pressing and intersecting needs.
“Our perspective is: If we advocate for the most vulnerable, others benefit too,” Ellis said. “Take LGBTQ seniors. Some may have done well in life but now face housing insecurity or struggle to access affordable healthcare. Many in our coalition are elders who fought on the frontlines during the AIDS epidemic. They bring critical historical context and remind us that Black and brown communities bore the brunt of that crisis.”
“I love our coalition because it keeps us accountable to the moment,” she added. “If we center those most marginalized, we can make an impact that lifts everyone.”
In addition to healthcare and housing, safety remains a top concern. The Coalition has fought to maintain funding for the Violence Prevention and Response Team (VPART), a city-supported group that includes MPD, community-based organizations, and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. VPART responds to crimes affecting the LGBTQ community and connects victims to legal, healthcare, and housing services.
“We’ve pushed to make VPART more proactive, not just reactive,” Ellis said. “The funding we’ve secured has helped survivors get the support they need. Cutting that funding now would undo progress we’re just beginning to see.”
At the end of the day, Ellis emphasized that this process is about far more than spreadsheets.
“A budget is a moral document,” she said. “If we’re not represented, you’re telling us our lives don’t matter at a time when we need protection the most. When people can’t get food, medicine, housing — that has a devastating impact. These are vital services.”
The DC LGBT Budget Coalition is urging residents to support a letter-writing campaign to D.C. Council members and the mayor. You can send a letter here: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/fully-fund-dcs-lgbtq-communities
Read the full FY26 budget proposal here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bTrENnc4ZazJTO6LPrQ3lZkF02QNIIf1/view
Arts & Entertainment
Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration
The Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier will be extended to a two-day celebration in honor of WorldPride coming to D.C. this year. Taking place on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 at The Wharf, this year’s event promises more entertainment, more community, and more pride than ever before — all set against the stunning waterfront backdrop of our nation’s capital.
With the addition of Friday, the party kicks off at 3 p.m., with the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at 7 p.m. As an Official WorldPride Partner event, the boat parade will feature 30 decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. For information on signing up for the boat parade contact Stephen Rutgers at [email protected].
Saturday’s signature Pier Party kicks off at 12 p.m., featuring a drag show, DJ’s, streaming of the WorldPride Parade, and the iconic Fireworks Show Presented by the Leonard-Litz Foundation — one of D.C. Pride’s most anticipated spectacles.
“We’re expanding Washington Blade Pride on the Pier to reflect the excitement and momentum building for WorldPride in D.C.,” said Blade publisher Lynne Brown. “It’s a celebration of our community’s progress and a powerful reminder of the joy and visibility Pride brings to the heart of our city.”
Now in its seventh year, Washington Blade Pride on the Pier extends the city’s annual celebration of LGBTQ visibility to the bustling Wharf waterfront with an exciting array of activities and entertainment for all ages. The District Pier will offer DJs, dancing, drag, and other entertainment. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.
Pride on the Pier is free and open to the public, with VIP tickets available for exclusive pier access, hosted bars, and private viewing areas for the boat parade and the fireworks show. To purchase VIP tickets visit www.prideonthepierdc.com/vip.
Friday VIP: 5-9 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, cash bar and complimentary drink.
Saturday VIP Session #1: 2-5 p.m., enjoy an air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered food, and an open bar.
Saturday VIP Session #2: 6-9 p.m., enjoy the air-conditioned lounge, private bathroom, catered snacks and dinner, and open bar with a front-row view of the fireworks.
Event Details:
📍 Location: District Pier at The Wharf (101 District Sq., S.W., Washington, D.C.)
📅 Dates: Friday, June 6 & Saturday, June 7, 2025
🛥️Boat Parade: 7 p.m. (June 6). 🎆 Fireworks Show: 9 p.m. (June 7)
🎟️ VIP Tickets: www.PrideOnThePierDC.com/VIP
Event sponsors include Absolut, Capital Pride, DC Fray, Infinate Legacy, Heineken, Leonard-Litz Foundation, Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Relish Catering, Washingtonian, and The Wharf. More information regarding activities will be released at www.PrideOnThePierDC.com
Maryland
Md. schools plan to comply with federal DEI demands
Superintendents opt for cooperation over confrontation
By LIZ BOWIE | Deciding not to pick a fight with the Trump administration, Maryland school leaders plan to sign a letter to the U.S. Department of Education that says their school districts are complying with all civil rights laws.
The two-paragraph letter could deflect a confrontation over whether the state’s public schools run diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that the Trump administration has called illegal. The Baltimore Banner reviewed the letter, which was shared by a school administrator who declined to be identified because the letter has not yet been sent.
Maryland school leaders are taking a more conciliatory approach than those in some other states. Education leaders in Minnesota, New York, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin said they will not comply with the federal education department’s order, the demands of which, they say, are based on a warped interpretation of civil rights law.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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Washington Blade’s Pride on the Pier returns bigger than ever with two-day WorldPride celebration
Md. schools plan to comply with federal DEI demands
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