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JPride Baltimore helps to create safe spaces and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families within the Jewish community through support, education, and advocacy. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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We are a volunteer team of experienced community lay leaders, parents, and educators who come together to coordinate a coalition for Jewish community that uplifts LGBTQ+ voices. Please read more about our story below, then head to our Projects page when you're done.

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WHAT DRIVES US

ROLES

Today, JPride is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported by mission-aligned Circles, including grants and coalition-building work. We (1) distribute micro grants, build community, and most practically, (2) advise constituents across the Baltimore Metro Area how to create representative and affirming programs. In this, our role is to consult with Jewish partner charitable organizations so they can authentically advocate with and intentionally support LGBTQ+ persons.

Our challenge today is two-fold: how to signal LGBTQ+ need to unsolicited foundations so we can increase our fund, and how to activate Jewish LGBTQ+ programming across congregations and cultural organizations.

WAYS TO SUPPORT

Join a Circle, such as Seed Grant, Community Needs, or Friends of JPride (a weeknight evening ~once a month)
Swag sharing and community boards
Attend an annual open community meeting hosted by the Board
Give advice
Donate
Become A Member + Help Distribute our Brochure! — JPride members participate, advise, volunteer, and support the mission; governance voting remains with the Board of Directors. </aside>

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HISTORY

JPride Baltimore began in 2012 (originally as JQ Baltimore) and has evolved through leadership transitions and community partnerships to keep LGBTQ+ Jewish life visible, supported, and celebrated in Baltimore.

Today, we steward a donor-advised fund under The Associated and convene volunteers and partners to translate care into real-world programs and support.

Read the full story:

History

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MISSION

JPride Baltimore helps to create safe spaces and equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families within the Jewish community through support, education, and advocacy.

We work to create a welcoming and inclusive model Jewish community for LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other sexual and gender minority) individuals, families, and allies. In accomplishing this mission, Baltimore area LGBTQ+ Jewish individuals and their families will have rich and meaningful opportunities to fully participate in Jewish living and learning.

We envision...

Baltimore’s Jewish community will be welcoming and inclusive for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies.
JPride will be considered a vital and integral part of the Jewish community’s organizational life.
JPride will be funded at a level that enables the organization to support the needs of LGBTQ+ people and their families.
LGBTQ+ individuals, rather than feeling ostracized in the Baltimore Jewish community, will be equal and celebrated members of the community.

You can read our current bylaws and 2026 draft updates here: JPride By-Laws (Pending Adoption).

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VALUES

כבוד הבריות

צדקה

תשובה

תפילה

Each value links to its own section for the longer explanation. Open the full values statement doc

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WHO WE ARE

JPride Board 2026

Justin Fair (Board Chair) – Officer, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development; Board Member, Jewish Museum of Maryland; Soulstrong Podcast and Artist; Graduate of Na’aleh Accelerate Leadership Program 2022; Advisor to Jews of Color Mishpacha Project; former Board Member, Unmatched Athlete
Jody Harburger (Board Treasurer) – Board Member of The Good People Fund; Board Member and past Co-Chair of the Na'aleh Marketing Committee; retired after 47 years as a Jewish community professional executive, serving in Jewish Federations, Israel Bonds, American Jewish Committee, JCC, and Jewish Foundation for Group Homes.
Liz Minkin Friedman (Chair Emeritus) – Former Coordinator of Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership Kesher Connections Program with The Associated; Board Member, Adamah.
Megan Brantley – Director of Community Relations of Baltimore Jewish Council; LGBTQ+ Connector with the Macks Jewish Connection Network of Baltimore.
Timoth Copney – Board Member of the Baltimore Playwrights Festival; Fellow of Na’aleh Leadership Program; Arts Columnist, contributor to Bmore Art Magazine; Board Member of Bolton Street Synagogue; theatre reviewer/interviewer with BroadwayWorld.com
Adam Leah Harvey
Rebecca Mark
Alaine Jolicouer
Seats Open! Looking for a Secretary!

Grants Circle 2025

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