LGBTQ Survey Asks About Access To Health, Community Resources In MOCO

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A new survey from Montgomery County asks residents who are part of the LGBTQ community to share their experiences with discrimination, access to health services, resources and more.

The survey is the first of its kind in MOCO, the county said in a news release.

“We are hopeful that the results from this survey will give us a clearer understanding of the experiences and needs of Montgomery County’s diverse LGBTQ+ communities,” said Dr. Amena Johnson, the County’s LGBTQ liaison, in the release. “We designed the survey to elicit actionable responses. We don’t plan to sit on this data, we plan to use it to create a safer and more affirming Montgomery County for the LGBTQ+ community.”

The survey data will be shared with various county departments, the release says.

"Montgomery County has made a commitment to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community feels safe and welcome, said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This survey will provide important data to help us keep that commitment. Our LGBTQ+ community contributes to our history, economic vitality, and culture, building a brighter future for all."

The survey is online and will be promoted at the Pride in the Plaza event later in June.

Montgomery County is hosting a series of Pride events throughout the month of June, spearheaded by County Council Vice President Evan Glass. Glass is the first openly gay member of the County Council, his website says, and he has been organizing the events for several years.

"As the county's first LGBTQ Councilmember, it is an honor for me to lead events that are inclusive and representative of our diverse community," said Glass at the time of the first Pride Month in the county. "Members of the community, friends and allies have all been waiting years to see Pride events hosted right here in Montgomery County. Being part of the LGBTQ family is no longer reserved for gay folks who live in D.C.; we have a vibrant LGBTQ community here at home."