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HOW IT ALL STARTED
In 2002, four community leaders (pictured left to right), Carlton "The Duchess" Smith, Kevin Clemons, Dana Owens, and Leroy Burgess, took action to create a liberatory space for the Black LGBTQ community in Baltimore.
After being told that their group, comprised of mostly Black people, was being "too loud" at the local Baltimore Pride parade, our founders were finally fed up with feeling othered and out of place within the larger, predominantly white-led "GLBT" movement of the time. A new organization, Baltimore Black Gay Pride, was founded.
For many years, this group organized the Baltimore Black Gay Pride celebration, traditionally celebrated in October. Eventually, Baltimore Black Gay Pride joined the International Federation of Black Prides, a global network of Black LGBTQ pride celebrations worldwide. The organization was renamed the Center for Black Equity-Baltimore and became an affiliate chapter of the larger national nonprofit, Center for Black Equity.
In 2016, the organization changed its name to BLAQ Equity Baltimore and resumed operations as an independent nonprofit. In 2022, BLAQ Equity Baltimore celebrated 20 years in operation.
Today, BLAQ Equity is revitalizing and modernizing, including developing year-long programming to usher in the next era of Black LGBTQIA+ culture, identity, leadership, and wellness throughout Baltimore.
SUPPORT OUR VOICES
Your donation helps amplify the voices and leadership of Black LGBTQIA+/SGL people in Baltimore. It fuels the storytelling, advocacy, and cultural work needed to challenge erasure and strengthen community impact.
When you give, you're not just supporting a cause — you’re investing in a future shaped by us, for us.
THE BLAQ EQUITY AGENDA:
OUR PATH TO LIBERATION
BLAQ Equity Baltimore is a community-driven force for change, here for all Black LGBTQIA+/SGL(BLAQ) individuals. We believe in the power of every member of our community, especially our trans and gender-expansive/non-conforming family.
We reject systems that perpetuate violence, marginalization, and exploitation and instead embrace healing, reciprocity, and community care. Our unique approach involves showcasing and preserving our cultural pride and integrating principles of self-determination and transformative justice in our daily lives.
Our goal? Make Baltimore a go-to spot on the East Coast for BLAQ culture and community.
THE BLAQ EQUITY
LEADERSHIP TEAM
At the heart of BLAQ Equity Baltimore’s work are two community-rooted leaders serving as Co-Executive Directors. In 2025, the torch was passed to show up and remind folks Blackness is not a visitor in the LGBTQIA+ community — it's a foundational pillar of it.
Cody Lopez
(He/Him)
Cody is a social entrepreneur, advocate, and founder of Black Advocates Leading Revolutions (BALR.Life). With a focus on economic empowerment and health equity for LGBTQ communities, he is committed to creating spaces that elevate marginalized voices and drive social change.
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Christopher
Henderson-West
(They/He)
Christopher is a brand strategist, storyteller, political operative, community organizer, and founder of HW & Company. With a passion for building power at the margins, they lead with vision, care, and a deep commitment to Black Queer liberation.
OUR BLAQ EQUITY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
These are the folks holding it down behind the scenes — bold, brilliant Black LGBTQIA+ leaders who bring lived experience, deep care, and vision to everything we do. Our board members help guide the work, protect the mission, and hold us accountable to our people.
Derek Lindsey
He/They
Board Chair
National
Aquarium
Kelly Bey
She/Her
Board Secretary
Flawless Faces
Makeup Artistry
Dee Rucker
They/She
Board Treasurer
Maryland
Legal Aid
Phillip Clark
He/Him
Board Member
Pro Bono
Resource Center
Marcus Gross
He/Him
Board Member
SAD Brunch
BOARD MEMBER MATERIAL?
While we appreciate the willingness and service of our current board, we recognize that its current makeup does not reflect the full spectrum of diverse identities and perspectives in our community.
We're Actively Recruiting New Board Members!
While the only requirement we have for board members is a sincere dedication to our mission, we are particularly looking for new members with experience in:
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Fundraising
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Healthcare
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Law & policy
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Business
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Strategic planning
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Community leadership
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Nonprofit leadership
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Nonprofit governance
People of trans experience, women, femmes, and gender non-conforming/expansive individuals are prioritized & highly encouraged to apply.
Apply below, and we'll get in touch!
Volunteer
With Us!
We’re not just creating programs. We’re fostering joy, healing, and a future where Black Queer folks can thrive. That takes all of us.
BLAQ Equity is calling in volunteers who are down to show up, hold space, and help us move with intention. Whether you're great with people, organized behind the scenes, creative as hell, or just ready to learn and be present, there's a place for you here.
This is your invitation to plug in, show love, and be part of something real. Come serve with us!