Pride Month officially takes place in June, but for Phillip Alexander Downie, it’s a year-round commitment. Phillip is a visionary advocate and leader whose dedication and passion for justice has reshaped Montgomery County’s approach to inclusivity and equality. As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the MoCo Pride Center, Inc., and leader of the Montgomery County Pride Family, he has pioneered programs that serve the most marginalized and underserved communities in the region and created beacons of advocacy. As a Co-Chair of the Coalition for Inclusive Schools & Communities, he has been instrumental in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights within the educational system. Phillip even channels his advocacy through media, creating impactful, independent content like “Black LGBTQ Pioneers,” “Black Girl Magic Stories” and “The MoCo Pride show.” Through his local TV programs and live events, he continues to celebrate and spotlight the diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ populace. In 2024, his show “LIYT Nights & Drag Duels” received DCTV’s first Emmy nomination.
Pronouns: He, him, his.
