Montgomery County Announces Pride Decal Contest Winners

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Community Partnerships today announced the winners of this year’s Show Your Pride! LGBTQ+ decal contest, which was open for submissions in early June. Bethesda resident Vinnie Yankowski was named winner of the youth category and former Silver Spring resident David Spengeler won the adult category.

“Anti-LGBTQ+ bias is surging across the U.S.,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “It's more critical than ever for Montgomery County to stand behind our diverse LGBTQ+ communities. These decals are a symbol of who we are as a county—everyone is welcome here, and this is no place for hate.”

Submissions were grouped into youth (23 years and under) and adult (over age 23) categories, de-identified and scored by a committee comprised of members of Montgomery County’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and LGBTQ+ community members. The committee selected three adult and three youth finalist designs that were shared during pride month events and on social media for public voting.

“Hands are the perfect way to express a sense of community and inclusivity,” said Yankowski of their design. “By holding hands and coming together, we can all celebrate what it means to be ourselves.”

Design created by Vinnie Yankowski, youth category winner.

Spengeler drew upon his experience as an immigrant to the U.S., creating a design he describes as simple and effective. Based on his observations of living in Montgomery County, he said, “I have never seen such a public LGBTQ flag like the one in Silver Spring at Veterans Plaza. I am happy to contribute my design to make it even more inclusive.”

Design created by David Spengeler, adult category winner.

Each category winner received a $1,500 prize and the winning designs will be printed and distributed for use by businesses, nonprofit organizations and County agencies to show their public support for Montgomery County’s LGBTQ+ communities.

Designs were required to include the County seal, as well as the words “Montgomery County Pride” to reflect inclusion of trans and gender expansive communities and to demonstrate the concept of intersectionality.

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Release ID: 23-409
Media Contact: Amena Johnson, Office of Community Partnerships
Categories: Award, Health