We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all LGBTQIA+ individuals feel a sense of acceptance and genuine connection.
We believe in the power of collective action, cooperation, and shared efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ issues.
We empower LGBTQIA+ people to be leaders, advocates, and agents of change.
We are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone can contribute and thrive.
We address and eradicate barriers to social justice, particularly those that impact LGBTQIA+ people.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all LGBTQIA+ individuals feel a sense of acceptance and genuine connection.
We believe in the power of collective action, cooperation, and shared efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ issues.
We empower LGBTQIA+ people to be leaders, advocates, and agents of change.
We are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone can contribute and thrive.
We address and eradicate barriers to social justice, particularly those that impact LGBTQIA+ people.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all LGBTQIA+ individuals feel a sense of acceptance and genuine connection.
We believe in the power of collective action, cooperation, and shared efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ issues.
We empower LGBTQIA+ people to be leaders, advocates, and agents of change.
We are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone can contribute and thrive.
We address and eradicate barriers to social justice, particularly those that impact LGBTQIA+ people.
The Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Foundation provides advocacy, education, and support for LGBTQIA+ people in Harford County and neighboring communities.
LGBTQIA+ people in our community thrive, and lead happy and healthy lives.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all LGBTQIA+ individuals feel a sense of acceptance and genuine connection.
We believe in the power of collective action, cooperation, and shared efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ issues.
We empower LGBTQIA+ people to be leaders, advocates, and agents of change.
We are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone can contribute and thrive.
We address and eradicate barriers to social justice, particularly those that impact LGBTQIA+ people.
The Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Foundation provides advocacy, education, and support for LGBTQIA+ people in Harford County and neighboring communities.
LGBTQIA+ people in our community thrive, and lead happy and healthy lives.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where all LGBTQIA+ individuals feel a sense of acceptance and genuine connection.
We believe in the power of collective action, cooperation, and shared efforts to advance LGBTQIA+ issues.
We empower LGBTQIA+ people to be leaders, advocates, and agents of change.
We are committed to fostering a culture in which everyone can contribute and thrive.
We address and eradicate barriers to social justice, particularly those that impact LGBTQIA+ people.
A member of the Governor’s Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, Kurt is a higher education professional with 28 years of experience working for colleges and universities around the country. Born and raised in rural Lancaster, PA, he became involved in LGBTQIA+ advocacy while attending Penn State University. As a graduate student at the University of Arizona, he served as President of the LGB Graduate Student Alliance and was involved with Safe Zone—a program aimed at improving the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ people. In Arizona, he served as a trained crisis intervention specialist for the Wingspan Domestic Violence Project—a social service program that works to address and end violence in the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Kurt completed a doctorate in higher education leadership and innovation at Wilmington University in May 2021; his thesis focused on the data invisibility of LGBTQIA+ community college students.
A Maryland native with over two decades living in Harford County, Chloe dedicated herself to advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Maryland, her passion for visibility, equity, and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community has driven her to action. During the pandemic, she initiated a virtual trans support group when in-person meetings were suspended, offering a place for connection and community during challenging times. In her career, she successfully advocated for changes to support transgender and nonbinary associates, breaking down barriers. She has volunteering experience with organizations like KaBoom! where she helped build six playgrounds at local schools. She is devoted to building community, amplifying voices, and championing policies that promote LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance locally and beyond.
Allie is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community who grew up in Harford County. She studied Electronic Media and Film at Towson University where she worked on several short films and interned for the Women and Minority in Film Festival hosted by the university. During her time at Towson University, Allie served a semester as the Philanthropy Chair of her co-ed Film and Media organization, Lambda Kappa Tau. After graduating in 2016, Allie moved to Orlando, FL to work for Walt Disney World where she developed a passion for training and course facilitation. She is currently enrolled in a graduate program, pursuing a degree in nonprofit and association management. She works in higher education as a tuition coordinator. In her free time, Allie enjoys reading, board games, pop culture, and hanging out with her three cats: Marnie, Oracle, and Berger.
Willow is a Maryland native and has lived in Harford County for 19 years. Passionate about community-building and advocacy, they focus on creating and supporting LGBTQIA+ spaces. They have worked to amplify queer voices in Baltimore’s recovery communities and have helped establish new queer-inclusive spaces in Harford County. In addition to their volunteer work, they are a Social Work student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Outside of their studies and community involvement, they enjoy hiking, board games, and spending time with friends.
Julia is a lifelong and current resident of Harford County. Her goal is to help other queer people of all ages feel seen, valid, joyful, and whole. Professionally, she works as a Communications Manager for Chase Brexton Health Care where she manages projects within the Marketing and EDI Departments (Institute for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion), benefiting both patients and staff. Julia’s specific areas of interest and expertise (personal and professional) include storytelling, LGBTQIA+ older adults, neurodiversity, belonging, reading, crochet, and local arts.
Jordan is an east coast native who relocated to Maryland after working for Walt Disney World in Florida. Currently, they work in higher education and are a founding member of their college’s gender affirming clothing closet. Their current goal for the closet is to gain a donation of chest binders for individuals who need them. Jordan has a passion for LGBTQIA+ acceptance and representation in higher education, and they serve on a committee whose purpose is to improve the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. While attending Penn State, they served as President of Ally House—a special living option for LGBTQIA+ students.
Matt was involved with a plethora of occupations before embarking with the Federal Government. He began his Federal career with the Internal Revenue Service before he found his current home with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he works in the financial department. His favorite part of the job is the daily interactions with veterans of all backgrounds, and hearing their recollections of experiences while they served our country. Matt resides in Bel Air. He grew up in the Harford County 4-H program and continues to work with the local youth. He is a member of the Maryland Freemasons at the Mt. Ararat Lodge in Bel Air. During his free time, Matt is an avid writer and a member of the Maryland Writers’ Association and Queer Crime Writers. He focuses on impactful queer characters who broadly represent the LGBTQIA+ community. Matt also enjoys frequenting the local cinema, exploring hiking trails, meandering in museums, attending author book signings, drinking tea, visiting cryptid-themed conferences, and adventuring as far as his car will take him. He is pursuing an English degree from Harvard University in hopes of inspiring others to never give up on their lifelong ambitions.
Sue is an architect and an IT specialist. She been engaged in activism over 25 years in the LGBTQIA+ community, starting with her involvement with LGBT youth shelters while in college and then with SoulForce, engaging in resolving spiritual violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals within religious organizations. She was on the Boards of MCC of Tulsa and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. She currently is actively involved with the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Harford County and TWW. Sue enjoys painting and illustration and lives in Havre de Grace while raising her son.
DeLane Lewis, Esq. is a Broker with Lewis Real Estate Group, LLC. She has been involved in school and civic groups in the Fallston area for over 25 years. She loves a project! She is also the founder and President of Together We Will Harford County/Upper Chesapeake, Inc. (TWW), a group that works for social and racial equity in our region. Through TWW, and with PFLAG and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Havre de Grace, the vision for a welcoming event that brought members of the LGTBQIA+ community and their allies together was born. She is unbelievably proud of the first Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Festival in 2019 that was a visible and outward expression of love. She looks forward to building on that success and spreading more love and acceptance in Harford and Cecil Counties.
Carla is a design and marketing professional with a passion for social justice, advocating for reproductive freedom and LGBTQIA+ rights. She is currently the Marketing Director for Harford Bank. She worked as the Director of Marketing & Social Media for a private grade school for 15 years. There, she witnessed how some students struggled to fit in, which led her to start Free to Be, a social group for LGBTQIA+ teens in Harford County. Free to Be offers a safe place for queer kids to socialize, gather, and have fun without fear of judgment or exclusion. Launching Free to Be has been Carla’s proudest professional achievement in her 30-year career. She also runs IM Design, a freelance business where she has produced award-winning work. She also serves on the board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harford and Cecil Counties and is active in the community as a member of the NAACP of Harford County, and the Bel Air Downtown Alliance Promotions Committee. Originally from Philadelphia, she now calls Bel Air her home; she has lived here with her husband and two children for more than 20 years.
Carrie believes in the power of creativity and community to drive change. With a background in graphic design and branding she’s been especially proud to use those strengths within her community. Her work with UCBPride Foundation focuses on brand identity, outreach, and visibility for LGBTQIA+ people in the Upper Chesapeake Bay region.
Originally from Flagstaff, AZ, she recently moved to the area from Salt Lake City, UT with her wife. Carrie is always looking for ways to bring ideas to life—whether through design, DIY projects, or exploring new artistic outlets. When not working on creative endeavors, she loves traveling and diving into the rich history of the world.
Emily brings a unique and enveloping warmth wherever she goes. Her background in media, writing, and travel feed her wide breadth of curiosity. She’s passionate about human rights and second chances.
As a lover of the globe’s vast cultural and geographical diversity, she’s made it a priority to travel and befriend openhearted people. She’s visited thirty countries and looks forward to every next adventure on the horizon.
Emily is happiest when exploring new and old destinations, hosting friends for a game night, making a meaningful personal connection, cooking (dancing, dreaming, laughing, learning, talking, traveling, etc) with her wife, and being in a writing flow.
Katie has worked in higher education administration for over a decade. They are a SafeZone Ally and an active member of their employer’s LGBTQ+ Committee for Advocacy, Support, and Inclusion. Katie is an advocate for racial equity, disability justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Seeing a local need for a neurodivergent (ND) community, Katie founded Harford County Neurodivergents in 2022. HCN aims to build community and equip self-advocates with ND-affirming resources.
Katie is a member of the Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna Board of Directors and was elected in 2022 to a county wide committee representing a major political party.
Katie moved to Harford County in 2011 and currently reside in Edgewood with their husband, teen, and goofy pug Egon. In their spare time, Katie enjoys spending time in nature, reading non-fiction, and crafting.
Bonny is a proud friend and ally of the LGBTQI community. She has a passion for increasing awareness and understanding of issues important in the community and creating safe and welcoming spaces. Bonny is committed to giving back to her community through a variety of volunteer efforts. She is an active member of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland and has organized several large community events. Bonny also volunteers with the Share the Gift program of the Harford County Public Library. As a member of Be the Bridge to Racial Healing she strives to promote healthy dialogue about race and racial disparities in and beyond her community. Bonny lives in Harford County with her family and their rescue dog Phoebe.
Jordan is an east coast native who relocated to Maryland after working for Walt Disney World in Florida. Currently, they work in higher education and are a founding member of their college’s gender affirming clothing closet. Their current goal for the closet is to gain a donation of chest binders for individuals who need them. Jordan has a passion for LGBTQIA+ acceptance and representation in higher education, and they serve on a committee whose purpose is to improve the campus climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals. While attending Penn State, they served as President of Ally House—a special living option for LGBTQIA+ students.
Sue is an architect and an IT specialist. She been engaged in activism over 25 years in the LGBTQIA+ community, starting with her involvement with LGBT youth shelters while in college and then with SoulForce, engaging in resolving spiritual violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals within religious organizations. She was on the Boards of MCC of Tulsa and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. She currently is actively involved with the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Harford County and TWW. Sue enjoys painting and illustration and lives in Havre de Grace while raising her son.
Bonny is a proud friend and ally of the LGBTQI community. She has a passion for increasing awareness and understanding of issues important in the community and creating safe and welcoming spaces. Bonny is committed to giving back to her community through a variety of volunteer efforts. She is an active member of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland and has organized several large community events. Bonny also volunteers with the Share the Gift program of the Harford County Public Library. As a member of Be the Bridge to Racial Healing she strives to promote healthy dialogue about race and racial disparities in and beyond her community. Bonny lives in Harford County with her family and their rescue dog Phoebe.
Sabra Kurth has been a longtime LGBTQIA+ ally who found a place to channel that activism into volunteering and supporting UCBPride. Additional community work included Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Together We Will, and Moms Demand Action. She has run for public office and continues to seek activities that benefit her community.
DeLane Lewis, Esq. is a Broker with Lewis Real Estate Group, LLC. She has been involved in school and civic groups in the Fallston area for over 25 years. She loves a project! She is also the founder and President of Together We Will Harford County/Upper Chesapeake, Inc. (TWW), a group that works for social and racial equity in our region. Through TWW, and with PFLAG and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Havre de Grace, the vision for a welcoming event that brought members of the LGTBQIA+ community and their allies together was born. She is unbelievably proud of the first Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Festival in 2019 that was a visible and outward expression of love. She looks forward to building on that success and spreading more love and acceptance in Harford and Cecil Counties.
Yvonne is President of the Bel Air chapter of PFLAG and a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She helped to form the PFLAG chapter in 2015, shortly after her older child came out as transgender. Yvonne used the experiences of her child transitioning to support others in understanding this part of their family member’s identity. Fierce as only a mother can be, she fights passionately for the LGBTQ community and takes every chance to educate anyone willing to learn. SShe will never stop her hard work to contribute to positive change and equality for all.
Wini brings a passion for people, service and more than 25 years of experience as a tourism economic development specialist. She is a proud ally, sponsor and founder of UCBPride. Wini created and launched Visit Harford! when the tourism program was being eliminated from the County. She owns a consulting firm (Roche & Associates) whose marketing and economic development services support small business, non-profits and communities across Maryland.
Paula is a lifelong resident of Harford County. She graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2017 with a Master of Divinity degree and is cleared for ordination pending call in the United Church of Christ. She is passionate about opportunities that encourage the LGBTQIA+ community to live to their potential; her work included encouraging local churches to be more inclusive of LGBTQIA+ people.
Sue is an architect and an IT specialist. She been engaged in activism over 25 years in the LGBTQIA+ community, starting with her involvement with LGBT youth shelters while in college and then with SoulForce, engaging in resolving spiritual violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals within religious organizations. She was on the Boards of MCC of Tulsa and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. She currently is actively involved with the Unitarian Universalists Fellowship of Harford County and TWW. Sue enjoys painting and illustration and lives in Havre de Grace while raising her son.
