Thousands celebrate Pride, protest Trump's policies in nation's capital
A global Pride festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community will culminate on Sunday in a rally and march on the National Mall.
A global Pride festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community will culminate on Sunday in a rally and march on the National Mall.
A global Pride festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community will culminate on Sunday in a rally and march on the National Mall.
A global Pride festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community will culminate on Sunday in a rally and march on the National Mall.
WorldPride, an annual event being hosted in Washington, D.C. this year, has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to the nation’s capital.
At Saturday’s parade, city streets were filled with floats and rainbow flags, including one spanning 1,000 feet. For many participants, it’s a form of protest against the Trump administration’s policies.
"The Trump administration wants us to disappear. We are still here. We will remain queer,” said June Crenshaw, deputy director of the Capital Pride Alliance.
President Donald Trump has signed executive orders banning transgender people from serving in the U.S. Military, prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, and restricting gender-affirming care for minors. He signed another order declaring that the federal government would recognize only two sexes — male and female.
“The President is honored to serve all Americans, and under his leadership, he is delivering on every campaign promise supported by over 77 million voters, working to Make America Great Again,” said White House spokesperson Harrison Fields in a statement.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said last week that there are no plans for a proclamation formally recognizing June as Pride Month.
Meanwhile, a suggests some companies are scaling back their support for Pride celebrations in 2025. It found 39% of companies plan to reduce Pride-related engagement, with 61% of executives citing the Trump administration as the top reason for rethinking their Pride strategy.
It comes as the president pressures private businesses, government agencies, and schools to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.
“Our country is going to be based on merit again,” Trump said in January.
Crenshaw estimates that the Capital Pride Alliance has lost millions in corporate sponsorships compared to past celebrations. She said some businesses cut funding altogether, while others supported Pride more discreetly this year by not displaying their logos.
"It's been extremely challenging for us to engage with former sponsors and donors,” Crenshaw said.
Crenshaw said they originally planned to welcome 2 to 3 million visitors for WorldPride events in DC, but attendance is expected to fall short.
“We do expect a reduction in participation, probably about 10 to 20%,” Crenshaw said. “Individuals who would have originally attended are deciding not to come because of safety reasons.”
Despite those concerns, Her Diner, a queer-inclusive restaurant and bar, is seeing a steady stream of customers in town for Pride.
“People are coming in to celebrate. I think everyone is upset, but we're banding together,” said Her Diner co-owner Kelly Laczko. “We're not going to let any member of our community be discriminated against.”