LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Our Mission

The WISE LGBTQ+ Advocacy Huddle seeks to create a forum where Anne Arundel County residents committed to equality for all and to promoting LGBTQ+ rights can connect and become a voice in the community. Our huddle works in partnership with other organizations such as the Coalition for LGBTQ+ Students, Annapolis Pride, Free State Justice, and the Human Rights Campaign to promote legislation and policy that protects members of the LGBTQ community and enhances the quality of life for all. We warmly welcome new members. In addition to working hard on LGBTQ+ advocacy, we are a cohesive and fun group and there is lots of laughter in our meetings. Contact Abbie Ellicott at ellicott3@verizon.net for information.

Our Work

Our huddle’s first major accomplishment was in 2018, when we helped to pass legislation that banned conversion therapy for minors in Maryland, making Maryland the 13th state to enact such a law. Most recently, our huddle worked to pass the Board of Education policy called Safe and Inclusive Environments for LGBTQ+ Students, making Anne Arundel county one of the first school systems in Maryland to pass a comprehensive policy that protects the rights of LGBTQ+ students. Finally, we meet regularly with the staff from the County Executive’s office, to discuss ways of promoting LGBTQ+ affirming policies and procedures in the county. The LGBTQ+ Advocacy Huddle meets with the Coalition for LGBTQ+ Students on a monthly basis, on the second Saturday of each month. Contact Abbie Ellicott at ellicott3@verizon.net for information.