The Frederick Center is a 501c3 organization that serves the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) communities. Since its inception, The Frederick Center has grown into a well-respected organization advocating and supporting our community which now proudly bolsters over 500 program events each year.Â
A conversation with Glorie Cassutto (they/them), Support Programs Director
Tell us The Frederick Center’s origin story.
In 2012, an FCPS student was bullied for being gay, and he identified that there was a lack of resources for the LGBTQ+ community in Frederick. This student, with the help of supportive LGBTQ+ adults and his mother, launched the first Youth Group. Later that year, the first Frederick Pride was held in Baker Park. The following year, our first board of directors were hired, and The Frederick Center was named an official 501c3 organization.Â
Since then, Frederick Pride has grown to one of the largest in the state, and we now host 10 free support groups and hundreds of events annually for the LGBTQ+ community of Frederick County. The Frederick Center hired its first Executive Director and Program Director in 2021, and opened the doors of our first physical location in November 2021.Â
What do you like most about working at a nonprofit in Frederick?
I love working at The Frederick Center because this is a safe, welcoming, loving community space. We have the unique opportunity of providing direct care to the LGBTQ+ community of all ages, and I am proud to be the support for young queer people that I needed when I was younger.Â
What makes The Frederick Center unique?
We are the only LGBTQ+ organization in Maryland that provides free support groups! LGBTQ+ folks from all around the DMV, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania area come to the Center for our support groups because LGBTQ+ centers are few and far between.Â
What do you wish people knew about The Frederick Center?
I want people to know that every single LGBTQ+ person has a place here at The Frederick Center. No matter who you are, what your story is, whether you’ve come out or not, and where you’re from, we will be here to support you on your journey. All LGBTQ+ people deserve to have a place where they feel safe and loved amongst our community.Â
What ways can people in the community support you?
We need folks to share our information and resources online! Many people still don’t know that The Frederick Center exists. Sharing our posts on social media is a great way to spread the word so that all LGBTQ+ folks in the area know where to reach us if they need support.Â
What does The Frederick Center do best?
I believe that the Center is best at acting as a safe space. When individuals walk into the Center, they know immediately that they will be heard, supported, and respected. Although there are only a few of us, our staff makes an incredible effort to show the community and all people who come through our doors that they have a place and a home here.Â
Have any exciting events on the horizon?
We are excited for Frederick Pride 2023! Pride this year will be on Saturday, June 24th, from 11-6 at Carroll Creek.Â
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.