FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2026

There Is a Place for You at Our Table: Montgomery County Pride Family Hosts Chosen Family Holiday Dinners
Free Thanksgiving and Holiday celebrations bring community, connection, and chosen family together in Bethesda.

BETHESDA, MD — This Thanksgiving and Christmas day, the Montgomery County Pride Family is opening its doors and inviting everyone to join us for our annual Chosen Family Holiday Dinners at the MoCo Pride Center in Bethesda.

For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, the holidays can be difficult, particularly for those who have experienced family rejection, isolation, or a lack of affirming support. We believe everyone deserves a place where they feel welcomed, valued, and loved. That is why we gather on the holidays themselves, sharing food, friendship, and the opportunity to build lasting connections.

“One of the most beautiful things about chosen family is knowing that love and belonging are not limited to the family we were born into,” said Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him), Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County Pride Family. “You have not met all the people who are going to love you yet. Some of those wonderful connections might begin over a holiday meal, right here at the Pride Center. Whether you are surrounded by loved ones or looking for a community to call your own, you are welcome here. There will always be a place for you at our table.”

Join Us for the Holidays

Thanksgiving Day — Thursday, November 26, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Christmas Day — Friday, December 25, 2026
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: MoCo Pride Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Floor 2, Bethesda, MD 20814 — directly across from the Bethesda Metro Station.

Both dinners are free and open to everyone, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, allies, families, friends, and neighbors. Advance registration is encouraged.

Registration and event information: www.mocopridefamily.org/events

Made Possible Through Community

These holiday celebrations are made possible through the generosity of our community partners. We are especially grateful for the support of Roots Market, our official meal sponsor for Thanksgiving Dinner on November 26.

We are grateful to all of the organizations, businesses, volunteers, and supporters helping us create a welcoming holiday experience for our community.

About the Montgomery County Pride Family

The Montgomery County Pride Family (MoCo Pride Center, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and consortium of LGBTQIA+ service, advocacy, and arts and culture organizations and programs dedicated to empowerment, community care, and belonging. Our Bethesda Pride Center is open seven days a week, providing year-round programming, wellness resources, and a welcoming place to connect.

Media Inquiries:

Phillip Alexander Downie (he/him)
Chief Executive Officer
Montgomery County Pride Family | MoCo Pride Center, Inc.
ceo@mocopridecenter.org
www.mocopridefamily.org