Kenneth Williams
Jun 18
5 mins read
Nearly a week after the conclusion of Baltimore’s flagship programming in celebration of Pride Month via Baltimore Pride and Baltimore Trans Pride, the executive leadership team of the former has released a statement announcing the termination of its professional relationship with Tanisha Jackson.
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“After review and consideration, we have determined that it is in the best interest of PCOM and the communities we serve to move forward in a different direction,” the statement said. “Effective immediately, YAG Elite Management LLC and Tanisha Jackson no longer represent, act on behalf of, or have any affiliation with the Pride Center of Maryland in any official, contractual, or volunteer capacity.”
The statement, released yesterday from the Pride Center of Maryland, the organization that hosts the event, stated that the relationship with Jackson, a member of the entertainment committee of the annual event alongside her business, YAG Elite Management LLC, is severed immediately while apologizing to trans activist Dominique Morgan and their own board member, Letoi Williams, citing recent events that have “caused concern, disappointment, and disruption within our community.”
Taking to social media to respond to the statement on her business Instagram account, Jackson announced that she had, conversely, decided to step down from her role on the entertainment committee after 11 years of service, citing recent events that have left her feeling jaded.
“This decision comes as a result of recent events and experiences that have left me feeling disrespected, marginalized, and discriminated against by members of the Executive Board,” Jackson stated. “Over the past several days, I have witnessed and experienced behavior that does not reflect the values of inclusion, equality, and community that Baltimore Pride claims to represent.”
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Jackson further went on to hone in on what she perceives as inequitable treatment of certain subgroups within the queer community, stating that she cannot be in proximity to an organization that supports members of the community who mistreat the communities they claim to uplift.
“As a lesbian, I have become increasingly concerned about the unequal treatment of certain members of our LGBTQ+ community. We cannot advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion while allowing some groups within our community to be treated differently than others. Pride should be a place where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of how they identify or present themselves,” Jackson said. “I also cannot, in good conscience, continue to be associated with an organization whose leadership chooses to support or maintain close relationships with individuals who have taken from the very community they claim to serve.”
The events in question? According to Morgan, in a video released a day after the incident in question, the media maven was accosted by Jackson on the stage of Baltimore Pride while encouraging attendees to lean into some of the programming that was simultaneously happening, both at Druid Hill Park, put on by Baltimore Trans Pride and Maryland Safe Haven. Upon encouraging attendees to head over to said programming, Morgan asserts that Jackson scolded her publicly on stage and then had her escorted off the stage by a squadron of security guards.
According to Morgan, Jackson grabbed the microphone and said, “It’s wrong for you to promote trans pride.”
Morgan provided further context and alleged that while she wasn’t contractually obligated to perform any scope of work for Baltimore Pride, it was important for her to promote the programming of Baltimore Trans Pride since Baltimore Pride’s event was concluding. Upon seeking and receiving permission from a member of the Baltimore Pride team who, according to Morgan, is “over special projects,” that she was cleared to make the announcement.
The statement further emphasized the organization’s commitment to Black transgender women and to fostering safe environments for the queer community at large.
“To community member Dominique Morgan and our Board member Letoi Williams, we extend our sincere and heartfelt apology,” stated PCOM’s Board of Directors. “Our commitment to Black transgender women, and to all members of our community, remains unwavering. We are dedicated to fostering environments where every individual is respected, affirmed, celebrated, and empowered to thrive.”
Morgan followed up with a response to the statement on her Instagram account, sharing a video expressing her frustrations in the activism space through the lens of this ordeal. In the video, Morgan divulged that she has no interest in seeing the downfall of any Black or queer person.
“First of all, I don’t want to see any Black person or any queer person lose opportunities when shit can be avoided.”
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Morgan states that she only wanted an apology for the alleged mistreatment because she might not have been privy to some of the behind-the-scenes happenings.
“What I asked for was an apology. What I asked for was the opportunity for her to explain why she engaged the way she engaged because there might’ve been something behind the scenes I didn’t understand. Instead, she played.”
Morgan goes on to state, via her Instagram caption, “This weekend triggered me in ways I can’t even explain, and I just hope the Black Trans folx in Baltimore City are heard, respected, and given the relief they deserve.”
Earlier today, Jackson also released another statement via her Instagram account in which she explains that she loves everyone in the community but has no plans of apologizing.
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“I’m going to be honest, no, I’m not giving anyone an apology.”
Following the event, Gaye Magazine exclusively interviewed Morgan alongside Iya Dammons, CEO of Maryland Safe Haven. Morgan took the opportunity to speak to the separation of both Pride events despite both being held at the same venue.
“”This ain’t white people separating us; this is us making choices.”
Per the usual, we’ll keep you updated on this as it’s still developing.
Mykel Hilliard
Feb 6
5 mins read
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