On June 27, 2024, Montgomery County in Pennsylvania took a significant step toward enhancing support for its LGBTQIA+ community by establishing the Montgomery County Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs. This new advisory body, unique in the state apart from Philadelphia, aims to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ residents, businesses, and allies at the county level​.

The commission was spearheaded by Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila H. Winder, who emphasized the county’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and representation. Fellow commissioners Tom DiBello and Neil Makhija echoed this sentiment, highlighting the commission’s role in advising on issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community and fostering a more inclusive environment.

The advisory body will consist of seven to fifteen commissioners serving two-year terms on a voluntary basis. These commissioners will focus on a wide range of areas, including health, human services, youth and education, policing, crisis intervention, arts and culture, and more. Ricky Buttacavoli, a Lansdale resident and advocate, envisions the formation of committees within the commission to address these specific areas, aiming for a comprehensive approach to LGBTQIA+ issues​.

Montgomery County, which has over 857,000 residents across 62 municipalities, has already shown substantial support for LGBTQ+ rights, with 27 municipalities having their own LGBTQ+ protections. This new commission is a further testament to the county’s dedication to equality and support for all its residents​ .

Jason Landau Goodman, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocate in the county, expressed enthusiasm about the commission’s potential to lead on LGBTQ inclusion and serve as a model for other regions. This initiative aligns with Montgomery County’s broader goals of fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all​.

Applications opened through August 3, 2025

Press Release