Washington dc gay pride weekend
As World Pride begins in Washington, some foreigners stay away
BBC News
Reporting fromWashington DC
Across Washington, large rainbow flags are flying next to the stars and stripes as the municipality plays host to World Pride, a global celebration of LGBTQ culture and identity.
But getting the world to reach has proved challenging this year. Some international travellers are choosing to skip the biennial event over travel fears, while others are protesting President Donald Trump's policies.
Alice Siregar, a Montreal-based facts analyst who is transgender, had planned to attend. But travelling to the US at the moment was unthinkable, she told the BBC.
"It is a risk to now come over and especially as a trans woman," she said.
The US capital won the invite to host Nature Pride years before Trump's re-election. In January, the event's organisers had projected the celebration, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Washington's first Identity festival march, would lure three million visitors and contribute nearly $800 million to the local economy.
But their expectations have now dropped to about a th
LGBTQ RIGHTS/Pride marchers in Washington mark 5 decades of battle for equality
Washington, June 7 (CNA) Crowds holding rainbow flags marched in Washington D.C. on Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of the pride pride in the U.S. capital, which is playing host this year to the global WorldPride Procession and festival.
WorldPride descended on Washington in late May with three weeks of various events planned by the Capital Pride Alliance, a nonprofit group that holds year-round Gay Pride festivities in Washington and the region.
Saturday's parade started with "a rainbow flag the length of three football fields [flowing] through the streets, carried by 500 members of the Lgbtq+ Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C." and was attended by international travelers, the Associated Press reported.
Several participants in the parade, themed "Freedom to be Visible" shared their views on the current U.S. administration under President Donald Trump.
"Our rights are constantly under threat, and never more than right now. So, I think it's important to be here, be apparent, show support, and stand up for our community," Jason Crawford, who was wearing a shirt printed with "TAIWAN" in rainbo
Guide to WorldPride 2025
WorldPride comes to Washington, DC from May 17 to June 8
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, DC and we're celebrating by making it an all-out international experience. Join the momentous celebrations as the nation’s capital is painted with pride, featuring a variety of events to inspire, empower and connect the international LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The Fabric of Liberty theme emphasizes our community, woven together through our rich cultures, diverse identities and backgrounds. Check out some of the highlights below.
Enjoy exclusive WorldPride 2025 hotel discounts in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, with direct links to special rates and curated accommodations. Visit the official WorldPride 2025 website to sign up for email updates.
Read more about travel resources and safety information.
In celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, the DC region will show up and show out in colorful decorations. Access the Paint the World Virtual map to hire with the inspiring and larger-than-life installations throughout the area. Reside tuned for informat
Thousands of people flocked to Washington, D.C., Saturday to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ people at the WorldPride Parade.
Elaborate floats, performers and group advocates traveled the 1.8-mile parade route.
The parade stepped off at 2 p.m. from 14th and T streets NW and marched through Thomas Circle before turning onto Pennsylvania Road. It will end proximate the Navy Memorial.
Paradegoers will find good views all along the route, but show up early if you want to be super close. Grandstand seating is available starting at $42.59. If you demand accessible seating, register here.
If you’re lucky, you may even catch a couple getting married atop one of the floats. Freddie Lutz and Johnny Cervantes will tie the knot after 28 years together.
The owner of Freddie’s Beach Bar in Arlington will marry his partner of 28 years on a float in the WorldPride parade this weekend. New4’s Aimee Cho reports.
"It's my all-time dream to get married to my partner on a Lgbtq+ fest float. I've been talking about it for years," Lutz said.
To keep the party going, you can head over to the WorldPride Free Street Festival afterwards to watch Cynthia Erivo perform in the post-parad