ABOUT US

Baltimore Safe Haven was founded in 2018 by Iya Dammons, a passionate Black trans woman activist with lived experience of homelessness, survival sex work, and incarceration. Iya recognized the pressing need for safe and supportive spaces for TLGBQIA+ individuals in Baltimore City who were living in survival mode. With a deep commitment to uplifting and empowering the community, she established BSH to provide opportunities for TLGBQIA+ individuals to thrive and overcome the challenges they faced.

Baltimore Trans Pride began in 2022 out of the spirit of the origins of Pride as we know it today. The Pride movement started because of the labor and resistance of Black and Brown transgender and gender-expansive people. However, many of today’s Pride festivals are not places where trans people are centered or represented. Baltimore Trans Pride offers a special, intentional space during the month of June to celebrate trans community, trans history, trans culture, trans leadership and trans resistance.

Our festival features a Grand March with hundreds lining the streets to watch groups march in support and solidarity with the trans community, a Block Party featuring main stage performances and a wide selection of vendors, and much more! Families, youth, seniors, people with disabilities and allies are all welcome at our event. We hope to see you at Baltimore Trans Pride 2024!

OUR 2024 THEME:

ALWAYS STAY SPARKLY

On December 27, 2023, Meghan Riley Lewis, a beloved member of our community, was killed in Bel Air, MD. Meghan, a 53-year-old trans woman, was well known for her relationships, her care and her love for community. Many remember her as a source of support, laughter and guidance.

Meghan devoted her time and energy to supporting people in need. She created a support group for transgender people who were pursuing life-saving procedures in Baltimore. Days before her untimely death, she organized a holiday dinner for community members with nowhere else to go. Her friend, Erin Reed, shared that Meghan was discussing her devotion to feeding hungry and unhoused queer people.

Meghan was often heard chiming her signature catchphrase, “Stay Sparkly!”

This year, our theme is in memory and dedication of the life and work of Meghan Riley Lewis, who reminded us to see the glow in ourselves and each other.