Joe Toolan on Pride, Purpose, and the Power of Showing Up | Community Scoop

In this episode of Community Scoop, we sit down with Joe Toolan, Chair of Annapolis Pride and a driving force behind one of the region’s most impactful LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. Joe opens up about growing up in Pasadena, the importance of creating safe spaces for queer youth, and the personal journey that led him to lead Annapolis Pride through a period of extraordinary growth. From organizing one of Annapolis’ largest events to tackling tough conversations about visibility, equity, and intersectionality, Joe shares how a single volunteer-led effort has become a year-round movement. Plus, lightning round moments, love for fried chicken, and why his grandma remains one of his greatest inspirations.

This is more than a conversation about Pride—it’s about people, progress, and what it means to truly belong.

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