In the summer of 2025, Washington, DC, welcomed more than 1.2 million participants to WorldPride Washington, DC 2025 (WorldPride DC), hosting 400 events in all corners of the United States capital. Envisioned as a celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, plus (LGBTQ+) progress and joy, the moment arrived when the community’s rights and freedoms were under renewed threats, transforming the celebration into a movement and making attendance an act of resistance.
Early in 2025, a sharp political backlash emerged: rollbacks of LGBTQ+ protections, attacks on DC’s home rule and budget, immigration and Trans bans, and efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Against this backdrop, WorldPride DC became a powerful demonstration of defiance, solidarity, and courage and an opportunity for millions to gather, lift one another up, and be seen.
Despite these challenges, the celebration successfully united local, national, and international partners, grassroots leaders, city agencies, and hundreds of volunteers. Together, these coalitions brought the Fabric of Freedom to life over 23 days across streets, stages, and cultural institutions. The District’s unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community created moments of joy amid adversity, bridged generations and identities, and generated over $310 million in economic impact for the city.
WorldPride DC will be remembered not only as the historic 50th anniversary of Pride in the nation’s capital but as proof of the power of a community united to celebrate, resist, and imagine freedom together.
THE LAND THAT DC SITS ON
It is important to acknowledge that the United States capital was once surrounded by over a dozen tribal nations that thrived along the Anacostia and Potomac River watersheds, Chesapeake Bay area, and the states of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. Washington, DC, sits on the ancestral lands of the Anacostans (also documented as Pamunkey Indian Tribe Nacotchtank), and over time neighboring the Piscataway and Pamunkey peoples. DC shares borders with Maryland and Virginia and connects with lands along the Anacostia and Potomac rivers. These river systems and current national parks are where the Piscataway, Pamunkey, the Nentego (Nanichoke), Mattaponi, Chickahominy, Monacan, and the Powhatan cultures lived. Today, Washington, DC, is home to over 4,000 Indigenous Americans. We respect the diverse Indigenous peoples, past and present, that are connected to this land on which we gather.
WorldPride is licensed by InterPride
FOREWORD
WORLD PRIDE THANK YOU MESSAGES + REFLECTIONS
WORLD PRIDE DC AT A GLANCE
BRINGING DC TO THE WORLD AND THE WORLD TO DC
THE CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE
VOLUNTEERS: THE BACKBONE OF WORLD PRIDE
THE FABRIC OF FREEDOM 23 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
PROGRAM PILLARS
EVENTS
WORLD PRIDE COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM
DIVERSITY OF PRIDES
PARTNER EVENTS
MARKETING BY THE NUMBERS LEGACY + RECOMMENDATIONS
GOVERNMENT INTERAGENCY COORDINATION + STRATEGIC SUPPORT
ACCESSIBILITY + INCLUSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
SAFETY + SECURITY
SUSTAINABILITY
THANKS TO OUR VALUED ADVOCATES ADVOCATES
SPECIAL THANK YOU BEYOND WORLD PRIDE 2025
THE PRIDE365 FUND
SOURCE MATERIALS + CREDITS
The city became a living rainbow—alive with music, protest, dancing, and joy. From our LGBTQ+ family to our friends and allies, we stood side by side, declaring that our movement is unstoppable. Strangers became family, and performances lifted us to our feet, reminding us of both pain and triumph.
ASHLEY SMITH, THE CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE BOARD PRESIDENT
WORLD PRIDE THANK YOU MESSAGES + REFLECTIONS
RYAN BOS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE
Beginning in October 2022 when InterPride bestowed the honor and responsibility of hosting WorldPride on Washington, DC, and the Capital Pride Alliance, we understood this was more than an event: it was a moment to impact our history and a challenge to learn from. We also knew that the course of history—the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election—would have a profound impact on what WorldPride DC would ultimately become.
Even with this awareness, nothing could have fully prepared us for the magnitude of fear and uncertainty that gripped our community after the inauguration. Personally, I felt the weight of depression settle in as the political attacks continued to dehumanize the LGBTQ+ community and spur hate, impacting our everyday lives. The relentless attacks left so many of us searching for hope amid the calls to cancel, to boycott, to turn away from the work we had begun. All of these factors led to a significant reduction in financial support, from corporate pullback to a reallocation of city funds. Despite a 50 percent reduction in funds, WorldPride DC not only successfully proceeded, but we managed to award $1.4 million in grants to the community.
Yet in that struggle, we were defiant, showed our resilience, and ability to protest with radical joy. We knew, unequivocally, that meeting this moment mattered more than ever and were determined to have our voices heard, remain visible, and showcase the rich fabric that represents the District of Columbia.
I have so much pride in our team, partners, and DC community for showing up and welcoming the world during this defining time in our history. Thank you!
ASHLEY SMITH BOARD PRESIDENT THE CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE
On behalf of the Capital Pride Alliance and the entire WorldPride DC team—thank you for helping us create a moment that will live in our hearts forever.
The dream of hosting WorldPride in Washington, DC, began during an InterPride Conference in 2019 and was carried forward by Bernie Delia, a long-time member of the Capital Pride Alliance and WorldPride co-chair. Though Bernie passed away before the celebration, his spirit guided us every step of the way.
When the dream finally came to life, Washington, DC, pulsed with voices, laughter, and love. The city became a living rainbow—alive with music, protest, dancing, and joy. From our LGBTQ+ family to our friends and allies, we stood side by side, declaring that our movement is unstoppable. Strangers became family, and performances lifted us to our feet, reminding us of both pain and triumph. Our partners—API Pride, DC Black Pride, DC Latinx Pride, Silver Pride, Veterans Pride, Trans Pride, Women’s Pride, Youth Pride, and many others—wove their voices into the Fabric of Freedom, creating a symphony of resilience.
At the Human Rights Conference, leaders and advocates spoke truths that inspired us and reminded us that Pride is action as much as celebration. And when we gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom, we declared, with one voice, that we are the change. WorldPride DC was more than an event—it was a family, a promise, a spirit that lives on in us every single day, 365.
We are proud that Washington, DC, is a city that brings people together, and WorldPride DC brought the world to DC and DC to the world. At hundreds of events, held in neighborhoods across all eight wards, we were able to showcase and celebrate our DC values, our resilience, and our commitment to progress. We were also able to showcase our local businesses, create jobs and opportunity for our residents, and welcome thousands of visitors to enjoy our beautiful city.
Hosting WorldPride was also a fitting way to mark 50 years of Pride celebrations in DC. It was an opportunity to remember and celebrate our past but to also recommit to the work still ahead.
To the Capital Pride Alliance and Destination DC, to organizers, volunteers, participants, and to all who helped make WorldPride DC a joyful and unforgettable celebration, you have my gratitude. Together, we made history and celebrated the people and values that make Washington, DC, the best city in the world.
JAPER BOWLES DIRECTOR
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUESTIONING AFFAIRS
WorldPride DC was historic, not just for our city, but for the global LGBTQ+ community and movement. It was a powerful moment to showcase our resilience, creativity, and the strength of coalition building. I am immensely proud of my team, our colleagues in the movement, and our city partners for the privilege of helping bring this vision to life for more than a million visitors.
In DC, we recognize the importance of acknowledging, empowering, and celebrating our diverse and vibrant communities, particularly our LGBTQ+ community. Pride Lives Here. WorldPride DC was a shining example of how government can stand with and support our community. Since winning the bid in 2022, constant engagement and collaboration have resulted in new programs and funding for the LGBTQ+ community, including innovative housing, health, violence prevention, workforce initiatives, a new LGBTQ+ community center, and more than $3 million in community grants.
We ensured critical support to the Capital Pride Alliance, community organizations, and individual artists so that LGBTQ+ voices were centered and celebrated. We coordinated across 60+ city agencies and worked hand in hand with nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers to deliver a safe, healthy, inclusive, and unforgettable celebration. Together, we built new coalitions, engaged new partners, and rallied both our city and our nation to embrace WorldPride DC as a moment to honor our history and advance equality.
MURIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
WorldPride DC was a vibrant celebration of the District’s LGBTQ+ community, uniting people from across the globe in joy and solidarity. The city came alive with parades, performances, and gatherings that highlighted the power of visibility and Pride, even in times some see as uncertain or dark. New events, such as the Human Rights Conference, uplifted critical conversations—especially centering our Trans siblings and their ongoing struggles for safety and equity.
As the Council’s only openly gay member, and the first Black openly gay member, I was proud to speak at the International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom, host my annual Black Pride Celebration, join dozens of celebratory events, and witness this historic moment for the nation’s capital. I want to especially thank the Capital Pride Alliance, the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, and every volunteer and consultant that helped make WorldPride DC a success!
ANGIE M. GATES PRESIDENT AND CEO EVENTS DC
WorldPride DC was a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and celebration. As the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, Events DC was honored to play a pivotal role in bringing this historic event to life. Events DC is committed to creating unique experiences that result in jobs, economic impact, and lasting memories for residents, tourists, and guests. WorldPride DC was a shining example of this mission in action.
We worked closely with city agencies, community organizations, and partners to ensure that WorldPride DC was not only a celebration but also a catalyst for positive change. From enhancing our venues to supporting local businesses, our efforts were aimed at showcasing Washington, DC, as a world-class, inclusive destination.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this monumental event. Together, we demonstrated that when we unite, we can achieve extraordinary things.
On behalf of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, I extend my sincere gratitude to all the partners who collaborated to host an incredible WorldPride in the nation’s capital.
Visitors from all over the world appreciated why “There’s Only One DC,” as we joined to celebrate diversity, equality, and love on a global scale. The performances, rallies, parties, and events were extraordinary. But locals, visitors, and participants also created a sense of community and acceptance that was palpable.
We are proud to play a role in sharing the DC Pride experience with the world.
ZACHARY PARKER COUNCIL MEMBER DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
ELLIOTT L. FERGUSON II
ATTENDEE PROFILE
3.4 DAYS VISITORS AVERAGED INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
$95,179 AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF VISITORS STAYED 4 NIGHTS OR MORE TOP U.S. STATES REPRESENTED (81% OF ATTENDEES):
33.2 YEARS OLD AVERAGE AGE
MEDIA MENTIONS
100 BILLION GLOBAL IMPRESSIONS
119,000 COMBINED SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIENCE
21,000
420,538 COMBINED PAGE VIEWS OF WEB CONTENT
17+ MILLION COMBINED SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS COUNTRIES
50
A DESTINATION FOR ALL AMERICANS TO GATHER, WASHINGTON, DC, WELCOMED THE WORLD FOR WORLD PRIDE DC TO CELEBRATE COMMUNITY, EXPERIENCE OUR FAMOUS HOSPITALITY AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS, AND INSPIRE GENERATIONS BY STANDING UP FOR THEIR VALUES. PEOPLE COME HERE TO CHANGE THE WORLD, AND HOSTING MASSIVE EVENTS IS PART OF OUR DNA.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: YULIA FERNANDEZ
BRINGING DC TO THE WORLD AND THE WORLD TO DC
Since 2000, WorldPride has been held every two years in major cities worldwide, serving as one of the most prominent platforms to celebrate LGBTQ+ achievements and advocate for visibility, equity, and progress. These multi-week events feature parades, protests, festivals, cultural activities, and educational forums. Rome hosted the inaugural WorldPride in 2000, blending celebration and activism to set the tone for the international movement.
InterPride, founded in 1982, owns and licenses the WorldPride brand and oversees the host city selection process. Bringing together more than 375 Pride organizations across 70+ countries, InterPride coordinates global Pride efforts, reaching millions worldwide. The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), a nonprofit formed in 2008, has been an active member for over a decade, sending delegates to regional conferences, contributing to solidarity and scholarship funds, and advocating globally for LGBTQ+ rights.
DC’s journey to host WorldPride 2025 began with a bold vision from CPA and the District’s LGBTQ+ community: to bring the world’s largest Pride celebration to the nation’s capital in a year marking 50 years since DC’s first Gay Pride Day. In November 2022, DC won the bid, delayed due to pandemic-related challenges, and organizers immediately began planning to honor five decades of LGBTQ+ activism.
CPA led planning with city leaders, community partners, and hundreds of volunteers, curating a dynamic program across six pillars: Arts + Culture, Celebration, Human Rights, Nightlife + Entertainment, Sports, and the 50th Anniversary.
DC’s long history as a center for activism, democracy, and civil rights made it uniquely suited to host WorldPride. Capital Pride began in 1975 as a one-day block party and grew into one of the largest Pride celebrations in the United States. With the largest LGBTQ+ population per capita of any U.S. city (14.3 percent), early marriage equality, and decades of visible advocacy, DC embodies the values of inclusion, recognition, and empowerment. Its status as a global hub of diplomacy, with embassies, international organizations, and media attention, amplified the reach and visibility of WorldPride DC.
Ultimately, WorldPride DC was more than a celebration—it was a demonstration of resilience, solidarity, and global leadership. The city’s rich history, vibrant community, and commitment to inclusion ensured participants from around the world felt welcome, safe, and inspired to take action within their own communities.
The welcome signs for WorldPride, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ gathering, are out across Washington. Banners hang from lampposts along major roads. Rainbow stripes have been painted on bike lanes and sidewalks. The message from the District to LGBTQ+ residents and visitors has been a cheery and unequivocal, ‘We want you here.’
THE WASHINGTON POST
THE CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE
Through its stewardship of diverse programming and events, specifically year-round LGBTQ+ Pride festivities centered in Washington, DC, and the National Capital Region, CPA’s mission “serves to celebrate, educate, support, and inspire our multi-faceted communities to grow and preserve our history and protect our rights for current and future generations.”
WorldPride DC could not have happened without the extraordinary support of over 700 volunteers across 20 committees, who worked alongside CPA staff to deliver a three-week celebration of global significance. From welcoming international guests to managing logistics, safety, and events, these volunteers exemplified creativity and commitment to community.
Their contributions reflect a core truth of Pride: it is powered by people, not positions. Volunteers and community leaders shaped programming, ensuring events were inclusive, reflective of DC’s diversity, and driven by community priorities. Their work reinforced the values of visibility, inclusion, and solidarity, leaving a legacy felt well beyond the festival.
CPA’s governance and structure allowed it to mobilize volunteers effectively, balance operational complexity, and maintain inclusive, community-driven governance.
STAFF
Ryan Bos, Executive Director
June Crenshaw, Deputy Director
Benjamin Jessee, Executive Assistant
Sahand Miraminy, Director of Operations
Mike Alexander, Director of Development
Tiffany Royster, Director of Community Engagement
Marquia Parnell, Director of Marketing and Communications
Nicole Barnes, Chief Financial Officer
Justin White, IT Consultant
Chad Cipiti, Website Engineer
Peter Morgan, Director of Special Projects
Jerry Huster, Director of Entertainment
Linda Lindamood, Director of Health and Safety
Al Pellenberg, Art Director
Marty Nee, Media Director
Winter Snitz-Meza, Human Rights Conference Manager
Kristopher Thompson, Operations Manager
Aaron Darden, Festival Manager
Diana North, Parade Manager
Candice Williams, Block Party Manager
Jennifer Hall, Logistics Manager
Jen Billingslea, Registration Manager
Connor Coleman, Talent Manager
Patrick McKiernan, Beverage Manager
Brandon Bayton Jr., Special Projects & Influencer Manager
Grace Thompson, Capital Cup Manager
Bryan Davis, Accessibility and Volunteer Manager
Adrian Weselin, Accounting Support
Julie Hansen, March and Rally Manager
Dave Coben, Transportation Manager
Monica Alford, Ceremonial Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ashley Smith, President
Anthony Musa, Vice President
Natalie Thompson, VP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)
Anna Jinkerson, Interim Treasurer
Robert L. York, Jr., Emeritus Council President
Giovanni Rocco
Lukas Pietrzak
Kim Baker
Dai Nguyen
Taylor Chandler
Jody Wright
Vernon Wall
Robert Code
HONORARY CO-CHAIRS
Ebone Bell, Earline Budd, Chris Dyer, Ella Fitzgerald, Earl Fowlkes, Charles Francis, Jose Guiterez, Ernest Hopkins, Ken Las Vegas, Marsha Levine, Deacon Maccubbin, Jim Bennett, Mark Meinke, Brent Minor, Frank Nowicki, Rayceen Pendarvis, Josh Riley, Rick Rosendall, Robert L. York, Jr.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Chris Avery, Zach Bache, Ric Legg Benavides, Sharlet Carlos, Tiffanie Drayton, Jake Eberts, Aaron Fishbach, Corey Fisher, Calle Garneau, Brian Glasser, Michael Lopez, Patrick Magee, Deborah McQueen, Shaunflow Odom, Ryann Perkins, Judy Schloss, Jonathon Sorge, Jay Soriano, Todd Stone, H.L. Sudler, Alan Thompson, William Wermerskirchen, Kraig Williams, Ryan Williams, Tyler Witman
COMMITTEES
50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
Robert L. York, Jr. and Christopher Dyer, Co-Chairs
Volunteers: Tara Cheston, Phillip Godorov, Corey Mitchell, Kate Shim, Brian Rink, Cesar Toledo, Rayceen Pendarvis, Nancy Canas, Julio Acevedo
ARTS + CULTURE
Charlotte Newman, Jarrett Smith, and Vincenzo Volpe, Co-Chairs
Volunteers: Francisco Alvarez-Higareda, Amy Austin, Marvin Bowser, Peter Cajina, Joshua Cook, Dance, Josh Feldman, Josh Feldman,Katie Fuhs, Imani Greene, Jonathan Kuhl, Ronald Lloveras, Andrew Lokay, Arnab Majumdar, John Modica, Floyd Montero, Hallie Munsat, SC Nealy, Sean Norman, Christopher Prince, Christopher Prince, Carlo Reyes, Nati Reyes, Brad Sickels, James Stewart, William Terrini, Alberto Ucles, Vincenzo Volpe, Taylor Walker, Jordan Wells, Jordan Wells, Krista Yates
FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE
Sebastian Steadman, Anna Jinkerson, Co-Chair Volunteers: Orri Croft, Salah Czapary, Carolina Furukrona, Erin Nicols, Jack Ralston, Will Verastegui, Jenny Williams
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Volunteers: Sam Alleman, Jordan Finkelstein, Jose Gaona, Morgan Jameson, Jeff Larivee, Ryan Migeed, Kevin Minoli, Marco Sanchez, Matt Ziegman
NIGHTLIFE COMMITTEE
Ed Bailey, Kurt Graves, and DJ Honey, Co-Chairs Volunteers: Rich Kleck, Sean Morris, Daryl Wilson
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Kim Baker, Nate Harvey, Kenya Hutton, Thomas Pitchford, Natalie Thompson, Shane Westmoreland, Co-Chairs
Volunteers: Julio Acevedo, Diego Garcia Blim, Richard Brethour-Bell, Deb Brototo, Ian Brown, Doug Bunch, Nancy Canas, Allister Chang, Brendan Fields, Kendra Frith, Jose Gaona, Jay Gilliam, Hope Giselle, Shua Goodwin, Reggie Greer, Zack Hasychak, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Reilly Hirst, David Johns, Kierra Johnson, Owen Johnson, Craig Konnoth, Jason Laney, Aubrey Lay, Victor Madrigal, Marissa Miller, Preston Mitchum, Andraelya Moody, Briana Niblick, Ntale Geofrey Price, Allen Rose, Bianca Sprague, Hancie Stokes, Roberta Sumner, Valerie Sumner, Jami Vallesteros, Frankie Witzenburg, John Wright, Rebecca York
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Michael Edmonson and Danny Izquierdo, Co-Chairs
Volunteers: Pari Baker, Chad Cipiti, Mikael Davis, Matt Eckl, Ed Engles, Marcy Ewald, Michael Gavin, Lawrence Getubig, Paige Hendrick, Sueah Kim, Josh Levie, Maggie Mau, Jacqueline O’Reilly, Lukas Pietrzak, Neil Shah, Paul Smedberg, Weston Taylor , Alan Thompson, Gina Vandivier, Abraham Walker, Sebastian Wasinger, James Willard, Olivia Woods
ORGANIZATIONS
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF LGBTQ AFFAIRS (MOLGBTQ)
Layma Askarzoi, Pip Baitinger, Shilpa Bannadi, Japer Bowles, Janelle Edge, Anthony Fox, George Garcia, Riley Reed, Sheika Reid, Gina Rupert, Jim Slattery, Tomas Talamante, Darius Taylor, Gaby Vincent, Rae Dyson, Steven Walker, Marc Washington
THE MAYOR’S SPECIAL EVENT TASK GROUP
DESTINATION DC
Elliott Ferguson, Theresa Belpulsi, Nick Price, Holly Rattanakone, Lindsay Hill, Halia Ellis, Danielle Davis, Kyle Deckelbaum, Georgia Lucus, Christen Miller, Claire Carlin, Kara Johnson, Sandra Whitehead, Laura Calhoun, Torri Christian, Robin McClain
EVENTS DC
Angie Gates and Paul Smedberg
DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Aaron Meyers, Christopher Naoum, Lucy Hernandez, Grace Allen
VOLUNTEERS: THE BACKBONE OF WORLD PRIDE DC
Hundreds of volunteers support the annual Capital Pride celebration, and for WorldPride DC, this foundation was expanded to meet the scale of a global event.
Over 700 volunteers were recruited and trained to assist with more than 400 citywide events, filling critical roles in event support, parade marshaling, accessibility, hospitality, backstage production, health and safety, and community outreach. Their dedication ensured every guest experienced a safe, inclusive, and welcoming celebration.
This effort was coordinated with ServeDC, DC’s office promoting volunteerism, in partnership with CPA and MOLGBTQA. Volunteers completed cultural humility training, CPR and Narcan certification, Destination DC orientation, and guidance on public safety, including coordination with the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers were also on standby, prepared to provide medical support, fire safety, and neighborhood coordination if needed.
While no incidents occurred, the robust volunteer infrastructure demonstrated readiness for any eventuality. The success of WorldPride DC was powered by this extraordinary team, whose service embodied the resilience, vigilance, and inclusive spirit that defined the celebration.
“Volunteering with the Capital Pride Alliance is a unique opportunity to be involved with something that is by, for, and about our community—without the work of our volunteers, Pride wouldn’t be possible. There are so many great moments during Pride and I’ve got to witness those small moments—whether it’s being part of someone’s first Pride, witnessing their wedding nuptials, or even hearing about someone’s 50th Pride—that make volunteering truly unforgettable.”
BRYAN DAVIS ACCESSIBILITY AND VOLUNTEER MANAGER
THE FABRIC OF FREEDOM
The official WorldPride DC theme, the Fabric of Freedom, reflects resilience, unity, and liberation. Historically, fabrics have expressed identity and resistance. At WorldPride DC, visitors from around the world joined to celebrate a community woven from diverse cultures, identities, and experiences.
Throughout history, people have used fabrics as expressive symbols to communicate identities and as forms of resistance. While the LGBTQ+ community faces growing challenges both in the United States and worldwide from those seeking to divide rather than unite, it is the fabric of our community—through our rich cultures, diverse identities, and backgrounds— that will guide us forward toward a better future.
As Washington, DC, hosted WorldPride DC and commemorated 50 years of Pride celebrations, it welcomed visitors from around the world to celebrate our vibrant community and continue the fight for equality. Every one of us—new threads woven together—strengthened the fabric of our community, and of this global movement.
While the fabric of the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag symbolizes the diversity of our community, shared humanity and unshakable unity defines our greatest strength. We are people bound by love and acceptance, struggle and resilience, our past and our future, forging an ever-evolving community that together embodies the Fabric of Freedom.
THE ARTWORK
CPA commissioned an artistic interpretation of the theme. Artist Adrienne Muse’s artwork centers four hands spelling F-R-E-E in American Sign Language, connected by golden thread. Each hand mends or sews, symbolizing how queer communities weave connection, resistance, and healing into society’s fabric. Behind the hands, a quilt subtly integrates tones from multiple Pride flags, emphasizing inclusivity, while one hand forms a peace sign, reflecting love and nonviolence.
Rather than focusing only on the traditional rainbow flag, the quilt behind the hands subtly pulls tones from multiple Pride flags, including Trans, Lesbian, and Progressive, without directly replicating them. This approach allowed Muse to emphasize inclusivity without leaning into overt symbolism. The thread unifying the hands speaks to collective labor, chosen family, and the process of creating freedom together.
One hand forms a peace sign, grounding the entire composition in love and nonviolence—a nod to both protest and sacred gesture. The other work, a quilt pattern seen in installations and promotional materials throughout the celebrations, draws inspiration from global textile traditions, weaving together cultural symbols, histories, and design philosophies from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Each pattern—whether a Zulu triangle, Japanese wave, or Persian paisley—serves as a visual language, celebrating the interconnectedness of human expression across time and place.
WorldPride DC came to life through vibrant, innovative programming built around six central pillars: Arts + Culture, Celebration, Human Rights, Sports, Nightlife + Entertainment, and the 50th Anniversary of Pride in the nation’s capital.
Together, these pillars highlighted both the rich history of Washington, DC, and the city’s unmatched offerings—from world-class monuments and museums to striking architecture and natural spaces. Every event was shaped by a commitment to ensuring that diverse voices, lifestyles, and experiences were not only represented but celebrated. From music to film, from Embassy Row to the National Mall, visitors experienced Pride through the lens of DC’s dynamic multicultural community. In total, more than 400 events unfolded across neighborhoods in all eight wards, affirming Pride’s place as both a citywide and global celebration.
23 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS PROGRAM PILLARS
ARTS + CULTURE
As home to one of the first gay rights organizations in the world, Washington, DC, has long been central to LGBTQ+ arts, culture, intelligentsia, and civil rights.
HUMAN RIGHTS
With 36 national and international LGBTQ+ organizations headquartered here, DC fostered important dialogue and inspired real action throughout the world.
SPORTS
Recent history has demonstrated that sports present opportunities to advance awareness, understanding, acceptance, and equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
CELEBRATION
At its core, Pride celebrations are a form of protest. An array of festivities demonstrated DC’s place as one of the most celebrated LGBTQ+ centers in the world.
NIGHTLIFE + ENTERTAINMENT
WorldPride DC featured vibrant parties, live performances, and cultural events, with top DJs, drag shows, and plenty of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and nightclubs.
50TH ANNIVERSARY
A celebration of five decades of advocacy, visibility, and unity for the LGBTQ+ community in DC. This milestone honored the past, celebrated the present, and inspired the future.
WORLD PRIDE WELCOME + VISUAL ARTS CENTER
MAY 17–JUNE 8, 2025
10,250
VISITORS
EXHIBITS
PROGRAMS
The WorldPride DC Welcome + Visual Arts Center was designed as a free daily drop-in hub for anyone exploring the District during the celebration.
The center served as an open-door gathering place, inviting community members, residents, and visitors to connect with Destination DC and WorldPride DC staff, purchase merchandise, and reflect on the last 50 years of Pride in the nation’s capital. The Fabric of Freedom lounge provided a welcoming space to rest, recharge devices, and absorb the vibrancy of Pride.
A curated visual arts exhibit anchored the experience, bringing current and past LGBTQ+ themes to life in tangible and reflective ways. CPA transformed the space to showcase a wide range of cultural artifacts and acrylic, fabric, and textile works by LGBTQ+ artists, including:
AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT
Fabric and mixed media quilt panels — Various artists
FOR EON COLOR FIELD III (2024)
Paper cranes on metal — Miriam Julianna
FELIX (2016, ONGOING)
Fabric tied to rope installation — Elizabeth Ashe
SILKPRIDE AROUND THE WORLD
Mixed media textile — Leo Andersen
PROKASH/REVEAL IDENTITY SCROLL (2021)
Cloth, thread, and markers on saris — Monica Jahan Bose
FLAG IN THE MAP
Photography and text installation — Gilbert Baker Foundation / ReportOUT, curated by Charles Beal
BUMFUZZLE, IIII, SNAKESKIN, RITE OF SPRING, THE CITY, AND CHILDREN (2023)
Acrylic on canvas — Hazem Mansour
BLUE CAMO (2024)
Acrylic on canvas — Hazem Mansour
CARNIVAL AND ARISHIYAMA DREAM (2025)
Acrylic on canvas — Hazem Mansour
FREEDOM TO BE QUILT
Fabric and mixed media quilt — Various artists (ACLU project)
HOLD FAST (2025)
Cotton twill, photography, cyanotype quilt — Jackson Fortner Hill
THE KUCHEH COLLECTION
Linocut prints, wood blocks, acrylic, epoxy — Mina M. Jafari
AMSTERDAM RAINBOW DRESS (2016)
National flags sewn into gown — Arnout van Krimpen, Mattijs van Bergen, Oeri van Woezik, and Jochem Kaan
Beyond the exhibits, the Welcome Center became a true cultural and community hub, hosting more than a dozen events blending art, advocacy, and celebration. From an interactive and free drag dressing room to family-centered drag story hours, literary panels, and a student fashion show, the center reflected the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ creativity and resilience. It also became the stage for landmark moments and critical discussions on Trans rights, Deaf Queer experiences, and Queer romance writing. Programs included:
WEAVING RESISTANCE SARI ART WORKSHOPS AND PERFORMANCES
Art workshops, installations, and performances
WORLD PRIDE DC: THE GARDEN OF SWANN — A QUEER FASHION SHOW
Fashion show / performance
INDIGENOUS DRAG STORY HOUR WITH LADY SHUG
Drag performance / family storytelling
DRAG STORY HOUR WITH PROFESSOR LONGLEGS
Drag performance / family storytelling
DRAG STORY HOUR WITH RICKY ROSE (SESSIONS 1 & 2)
Drag performance / family storytelling FOR EON INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE WITH MIRIAM JULIANNA
Interactive storytelling performance
PROPAGANDA & TRANSPHOBIA: HOW TRANS PEOPLE BECAME THE POLITICAL PAWN
Talk / lecture with Schuyler Bailar
QUEER ROMANCE WRITERS PANEL
Literary panel / book event
INTERNATIONAL PRIDE ORCHESTRA
CHAMBER CONCERT
Music concert
ONE NIGHT ONLY: HONORING EARLINE BUDD Tribute / recognition event
BEYOND THE BUBBLE: DEAF QUEER DATING, STIGMA, AND SOCIAL NORMS
Community panel
BOOK RELEASE & SIGNING:
LESBIAN, WHO ARE YOU?
Book launch / signing
Key programs originally scheduled for the Kennedy Center—including the Tapestry of Pride exhibition, drag story time, and portions of the AIDS Memorial Quilt—were relocated to the Welcome Center to ensure accessibility and avoid institutional barriers.
This project was made possible through a partnership among CPA, Downtown DC Bid, and Sandlot DC. Sandlot’s dynamic and versatile venue, Gallery Space, empowered creativity and provided the ideal setting for pop-up events, visitor engagement, and the beating heart of WorldPride DC.
INTERNATIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL
MAY 23–JUNE 8, 2025
50 CONCERTS
25 VENUES
30 CHORUSES
16 DAYS
As the centerpiece of WorldPride DC’s arts calendar, the International Choral Festival—anchored by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC—ignited the city with 50 performances across 14 days, celebrating the vibrant voices that make up the fabric of Queer freedom.
With daily pop-up concerts taking place at iconic venues across the city—including the Atlas Performing Arts Center, Woolly Mammoth, Shakespeare Theatre, Union Market, Epiphany Church, Sixth & I, and the Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Memorial Library—the festival transformed the National Capital Region into a soundscape of Pride, power, and global community. From youth choruses to legendary vocal groups, it was a bold testament to the harmony and resilience of LGBTQ+ expression worldwide.
WORLD PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL
MAY 27–MAY 29, 2025
3
DAYS
21 FILMS
3 VENUES
11 SPEAKERS
780 ATTENDEES
The three-day film festival showcased filmmakers from across the globe, presenting LGBTQ+ stories through documentaries, dramas, comedies, animations, and more.
By centering diverse voices and narratives, the festival highlighted the power of film to spark dialogue, preserve history, and reflect the evolving tapestry of LGBTQ+ life.
Produced in partnership with the Queer Film Institute and the WorldPride Arts + Culture Committee, and supported by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, the festival created a dynamic platform for both established and emerging talent.
Among the highlights was the world premiere of Humans of Pride, directed by Kevin Coop, which blends rare archival footage with contemporary reflections to examine who was celebrated—and who was excluded—when WorldPride first came to the United States for the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. The Humans of Pride team was also involved in documenting the final months of WorldPride DC’s preparation and production. These intimate and raw moments will be featured in the second edition of the film Humans of Pride: DC, currently in production.
MAY
27
ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA, DC
BRYANT STREET
1946: THE MISTRANSLATION THAT SHIFTED A CULTURE
Director: Sharon (Rocky) Roggio
DREAMS IN NIGHTMARES
Director: Shatara Michelle Ford
DC GAY PRIDE 1978 (SHORT)
Director: Gary Davis
HUMANS OF PRIDE (WORLD PREMIERE)
Director: Kevin Coop
MAY 28
ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA, CRYSTAL CITY
POOJA SIR
Director: Deepak Rauniyar
LET THEM EAT CAKE (SHORT)
Director: Todd Ford
AVANT-DRAG!
Director: Fil Ieropoulos
EGG (SHORT)
Director: Jamie Kiernan O’Brien
THE BEST FRIEND (O MELHOR AMIGO)
Director: Allan Deberton
MAY 29
ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, DC H STREET
DC GAY PRIDE 1978 (SHORT)
Director: Gary Davis
REPORT FROM THE INTERIOR
Directors: Lucas Crawford, Morgan Sea
FINDING PEACE IN MY BODY
Director: Todd Ford
FIERCENESS SERVED! THE ENIKALLEY COFFEEHOUSE
Director: Michelle Denise Parkerson
HOME SWEET HOME
Director: TyrONE Hanley
IN DRAG WE TRUST
Director: Roberto Ferrara
THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PUSSY NOIR
Director: Amy Oden
MISS HONEY: THE CATSUIT
Director: Brandon R. Nicholas
HOLLOW (SHORT)
Director: Ross Berkeley Simpson
“It was a powerful moment premiering Humans of Pride, the movie about the first WorldPride in the United States, at the second WorldPride in the United States. The community really showed up and showed out at the WorldPride DC Film Festival. It sold out almost immediately—I was shocked! I had people calling me like ‘Coop! I can’t get tickets!”
FILMMAKER KEVIN COOP
THE REBRAND
Director: Kaye Adelaide
WE ARE ABUNDANT: A QUEER VISION OF ECONOMIC JUSTICE (SHORT)
Director: James Hall
SOME NIGHTS I FEEL LIKE WALKING Director: Petersen Vargas
PRIDE FLAG RAISING EVENT
MAY 29, 2025 | PRODUCED BY THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF LGBTQ AFFAIRS
200+ ATTENDEES
In a powerful and symbolic opening to WorldPride DC, more than 200 community members—and local activists—gathered on the historic steps of DC’s City Hall, the John A. Wilson Building, to witness the ceremonial raising of the LGBTQ+ flag.
Mayor Bowser, joined by DC Council members and leadership from the Capital Pride Alliance, presided over the ceremony, framing the moment as not just a kickoff to Pride Month, but a declaration of solidarity and resilience in the face of current challenges to DC and diversity.
“Happy WorldPride in the gayest city in America,” said Bowser to roaring crowds. Spoken word artist Charity Blackwell’s emotionally charged performance further energized the crowd.
June Crenshaw, CPA Deputy Director, captured the spirit of the day: “This flag tells a story of love without apology…. Our community has never backed down, and we will not at this time of challenge.”
The ceremony also honored longtime activist Deacon Maccubbin, who organized DC’s first Gay Pride Day in 1975, and paid tribute to the late Bernie Delia, a pivotal figure in DC’s bid to host WorldPride.
MAYORAL WELCOME CEREMONY
MAY 31, 2025 | PRODUCED BY MAYOR’S OFFICE OF LGBTQ AFFAIRS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE
300+ ATTENDEES
A last-minute cancellation forced organizers to shift plans within a mere 24 hours, replacing the Welcome Concert at Nationals Park with a Welcome Ceremony at the Rubell Museum, DC’s Contemporary Art Museum.
The location was a fitting tribute given Mera and Don Rubell’s longstanding investment in, and commitment to, LGBTQ+ artists and their stories. Rubell’s brother Steve, co-founder of Studio 54, died of AIDS in 1989.
Mayor Bowser, CPA, and InterPride welcomed more than 300 guests to the celebration, affirming DC’s legacy in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights against the backdrop of Sterling Ruby’s giant American “Flag” painting.
“If you live here, you know this,” Bowser said. “If you are visiting us let me tell you. DC has long been a leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the world. We’re proud to welcome the world to our city, to recognize the Fabric of Freedom as the theme of this year’s activities.”
CAPITAL CUP SPORTS FESTIVAL
MAY 30–JUNE 4, 2025
6 DAYS
18 SPORTS
3,000+ ATHLETES, SPECTATORS, VOLUNTEERS, AND OFFICIALS
Team DC was proud to lead the local coordination of the inaugural Capital Cup Sports Festival, an ambitious multi-sport tournament hosted across the District.
The event welcomed over 3,000 athletes representing not only the greater DC region, but communities from California to Canada. They participated in 18 sports, spanning three of the city’s four quadrants in partnership with 40+ LGBTQ+ sports member organizations. The Capital Cup proved to be a celebration of LGBTQ+ athleticism, camaraderie, and community pride—demonstrating the power of sport to bring people together across backgrounds, states, and even countries.
Participant feedback was extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete against other LGBTQ+ athletes from all over the world. The competition itself also earned high marks, with 83 percent rating it as satisfying or very satisfying. “Everyone associated with the various events was upbeat, positive, helpful, and fostered a wonderful environment,” said one athlete. Another mentioned trying out two sports they had never played before—pickleball and flag football—because of the supportive, friendly, and safe environment.
The tournament drew a diverse mix of athletes, with 65 percent coming from the local area and 35 percent traveling in from other regions, including California, Texas, Indiana, New York City, Delaware, Atlanta, Seattle, and even Vancouver, British Columbia. Of those who traveled, the majority stayed in town for an extended period—61 percent for five or more days. For many participants, this was a new experience: 43 percent attended a multi-sport tournament for the first time.
“The success of the WorldPride Capital Cup would not have been possible without the steadfast support and collaboration of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, Destination DC, and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation. Their partnership was essential at every stage of the planning process and served as a testament to the impact of meaningful institutional engagement in advancing inclusive, community-centered events."
LOCAL LEAGUES AND SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS
Armed Forces Cycling Classic
Capital Tennis Association
DC Front Runners (DCFR)
DC Furies
DC Queer Pickleball
DC Strokes
DC Pride Volleyball League
District Wrestling
DSeahorses and DC Aquatics Club (IGLA + 2025 DC)
Federal Triangles Soccer Club
Lambda Links
National Gay Flag Football League and DC chapter
Patuxent Roller Derby
Rogue
Stonewall Dodgeball
Team DC
SPORTS HOSTED AND TEAMS PARTICIPATING
Cornhole
Darts
Cycling (in partnership with the Armed Forces Cycling Classic)
Diving (IGLA)
Dodgeball
Flag Football
Golf
Pickleball
Pride 5K Run (in partnership with DCFR)
Regatta / Rowing
Roller Derby
Rugby (mixed teams)
Soccer
Swimming (IGLA)
Tennis
Volleyball (Indoor)
Water Polo (IGLA)
Wrestling
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: T DRAYTON, LAUREN VICTOR
WORLD PRIDE DC HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE
JUNE 4–6, 2025
ATTENDEES SUCCESSFULLY CONNECTED WITH INDIVIDUALS/ ORGANIZATIONS FOR FUTURE COLLABORATION
FOUND SESSIONS RELEVANT TO CURRENT LGBTQ+ CHALLENGES
COMMUNITY MEMBER VOLUNTEERS
INDIVIDUALS RECEIVED COUNSELING + WELLNESS SUPPORT
At a time when political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights are escalating—often just steps from the event venues—the WorldPride DC Human Rights Conference served as a vital gathering place to unify voices, strengthen alliances, and inspire global action from the heart of the U.S. capital. Organizers curated powerful speakers and programming that addressed the legislative and cultural challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities in the United States and around the globe.
By bringing together a wide spectrum of leaders, thinkers, and creators, the conference highlighted the urgent need to confront rising hostility with visibility, resilience, and collective power and to ensure that LGBTQ+ rights remained central to global conversations on justice and equality. Over three days, advocates, allies, and changemakers engaged in strategy sessions, skill-building workshops, and bold conversations. In a city rooted in advocacy, the message was clear in the words of one presenter: “Solidarity is our superpower”—and action must begin now.
“WorldPride DC was a powerful reminder that advocacy is not just about visibility—it’s about action, accountability, and solidarity. This conference gave a global platform to the voices driving change, and together, we have the opportunity to ignite a renewed movement for LGBTQIA+ rights worldwide.”
NATALIE THOMPSON CPA VICE PRESIDENT OF DEI AND HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
GLOBAL REACH + ACCESS
Scholarships enabled participation from 30 countries, broadening representation across the Global South.
WELLNESS + ACCESSIBILITY
Counseling, sensory spaces, American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, AI–powered translation, live captions, Americans with Disabilities Act–compliant venues, and Deaf-led interpreter coordination.
SECURITY FRAMEWORK
Multi-layered plan with trained, culturally competent personnel ensured safety without compromising inclusivity.
GRASSROOTS OWNERSHIP
175 volunteers played key roles in operations, reflecting deep community investment.
“Love, joy, and community are the antidotes of fear.”
THE RIGHT REVEREND MARIANN EDGAR BUDDE, BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH HOUSE–DIOCESE OF WASHINGTON, DC
SPOTLIGHT OF CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
ACTIVISTS & ALLIES
Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of Washington; Dr. Lady Phyll, T.S. Madison, Richa Tripathi, and Yasmin Benoit
DIGNITARIES & ACADEMICS
Her Excellency Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Iceland’s Minister of Industries; Paula Gerber, Ph.D., Professor of Law at Monash University; and M. V. Lee Badgett, Ph.D., Economics Professor at the Williams Institute at UCLA
ARTISTS
Courtney Act, Bob the Drag Queen, Peppermint, Mrs. Kasha Davis, Wilson Cruz, Chris Olsen, Raven-Symoné, Brian Michael Smith, Laith Ashley De La Cruz, and Trace Lysette
ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund, the National Trans Visibility March, and the Human Rights Campaign
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
From the outset, CPA committed to making WorldPride DC’s Human Rights Conference the most accessible and globally diverse in history. The scholarship program delivered on that promise—removing financial and logistical barriers so passionate advocates could be at the table.
The program covered travel, lodging, visa fees, and per diems—ensuring access for applicants from the Global South and regions facing acute human rights challenges. A rigorous selection process emphasized both merit and geographic diversity.
Interest came from around the world, with 273 applications submitted from 62 countries and territories across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Of these, 134 scholarships were awarded—a 49 percent acceptance rate—representing 32 countries. Ultimately, 86 recipients from 30 countries were able to attend, overcoming global travel and political obstacles.
To ensure both integrity and accessibility, funds were distributed securely backed by strict compliance protocols. The result was a truly international gathering of LGBTQ+ human rights leaders—amplifying diverse voices at a time when global solidarity was more critical than ever.
PROGRAMMING THEMES
Out of nearly 90 program offerings, the following panels, summits, and sessions stood out:
Solutions in the Face of Fear: Transformative Housing Solutions for Black Trans Women: This dynamic plenary showcased how communitydriven housing initiatives are turning survival into thriving for Black Trans women and how strategic investment in Black Trans leadership can create sustainable solutions that withstand political shifts.
Fierce, Fabulous, and Fired Up: Drag Takes a Stand: A panel discussion, moderated by Petter Wellenberg, examined how drag artistry functions as a powerful form of cultural activism and resistance in the face of increasing political hostility.
The Power and Duty of Visibility in Human Rights: This panel explored how strategic visibility in entertainment and media can serve as a catalyst for human rights advancement.
NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCH POLICY AND
SAFETY
SUMMIT
In its seventh year, the National Trans Visibility March (NTVM) made history by partnering with WorldPride DC, uniting global LGBTQ+ communities in Washington, DC. Together, they delivered a powerful one-day Policy + Safety Summit during the Human Rights Conference.
The summit brought together 159 attendees and showcased the leadership of over 30 Trans-led organizations on a global stage. Multilingual and culturally tailored programming provided historic visibility for Trans and gendernonconforming leaders, elevating voices often excluded from international policy spaces.
Programming began with the Morning Policy Foundation, featuring federal policy assessments, lifetime achievement recognitions, and panels with PFLAG, Lambda Legal, the Human Rights Campaign, and the ACLU. The summit’s Advocacy Framework addressed critical issues including legal rights, health equity, youth empowerment, digital security, and intersectional dignity. It concluded with a Global Justice focus on immigration, economic power, and sustainable advocacy strategies. A Community Celebration, hosted by the Christopher Street Project, fostered ongoing connection beyond the summit.
NTVM’s leadership, rooted in lived experience, ensured programming that was culturally competent, resilient, and joyful. Strategic support from NMAC, Lavender Rights Project, TD Bank, and WorldPride DC reinforced the summit’s reach and long-term impact.
OUTCOMES OF THE CONFERENCE
From 124 individual calls to action, five strategic pathways emerged:
1. STRENGTHEN LOCAL-GLOBAL NETWORKS
Pride365 Global Network launched with quarterly strategy sessions.
2. ACCELERATE LOCAL IMPACT
Toolkits, seed funding, and leader recognition programs initiated.
3. EXPAND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Pride Political Pipeline to support LGBTQ+ candidates.
4. INSTITUTIONALIZE CONVENINGS
Commitments to annual summits and a global advocacy calendar.
5. CENTER INTERSECTIONAL VOICES
Creation of Global Solidarity Fund and broader leadership representation.
Amid rising political hostility, the conference proved that global LGBTQ+ advocates won’t back down—they show up, strategize, and mobilize. With record turnout, bold ideas, and real results, it set a powerful blueprint for future international action. Through the Pride365 Global Network and commitments to annual summits, momentum will continue, ensuring the mission to Advocate, Educate, and Activate remains a driving force until equality becomes a lived reality worldwide.
CAPITAL PRIDE HONORS + INTERPRIDE RECEPTION
JUNE 5, 2025
1,281 ATTENDEES
PRESENTED BY: GIANT
The National Building Museum served as the backdrop for the Capital Pride Honors and the InterPride Reception, a signature celebration recognizing individuals who have woven bold and lasting threads into the fabric of LGBTQ+ progress.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in DC, this red carpet-style gala highlighted both national and international leaders whose work continues to expand visibility, inclusion, and equality. The evening came alive with special guests, including comedian and writer Amber Ruffin, actress-singer Raven-Symoné, Broadway star Shoshana Bean, Hedwig’s Sawyer Smith, and local DC legend Paul Wharton—all bringing their signature energy to a night of reflection, celebration, and unity. Guests in elaborate ensembles were welcomed by the spirited Cheer DC squad before ending the night on the dance floor to the beats of DJ Kitty Glitter.
Each year, CPA honors exceptional individuals, leaders, and activists from the National Capital Region who have made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community. The selection process begins with an open call for nominations from the community, which started in February 2025. After nominations are submitted, a dedicated committee reviews the entries and selects the final honorees based on their impact and commitment to advancing LGBTQ+ causes.
HONOREES INCLUDED:
HEROES AWARD (recognizes individuals who have brought about positive changes and furthered causes important to the LGBTQ+ community in the National Capital Region): Cathy Renna, Jerry St. Louis, Ernest Hopkins, Lamar Braithwaite, and Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol
BREAKING BARRIERS COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD (acknowledges an individual or organization who has demonstrated a significant impact to the LGBTQ+ community at either the local or national level and who has helped eliminate barriers for social, personal, or professional growth of the LGBTQ+ community): Kriston Pumphrey
VISIBILITY AWARD (recognizes an individual or organization that has served as an outstanding advocate, activist, and supporter of the Transgender and nonbinary community): Gia Martinez
BILL MILES AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER SERVICE (acknowledges exemplary contributions to CPA, its programs, initiatives, or other Pride-sponsored activities): Kraig Williams
LARRY STANSBURY AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRIDE (acknowledges outstanding efforts related to programs and initiatives of the annual CPA or Pride movement): SMYAL
“The Capital Pride Alliance is proud to continue our tradition of honoring individuals, leaders, and activists dedicated to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights for all of us. The honorees chosen this year exemplify their dedication to advocacy, outreach, education, and programming in support of the LGBTQ+ community’s fight for equality.”
RYAN BOS, CPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
17TH STREET BLOCK PARTY
JUNE 6–7, 2025
PARTICIPATING LOCAL BUSINESSES
The 17th Street Block Party, in collaboration with the Historic Dupont Circle Main Streets, transformed historic Dupont Circle into a vibrant celebration stitched together by music, community, and Pride.
Thousands gathered to enjoy live performances, food, and dancing. The event honored the neighborhood’s legacy as the city’s first “gayborhood,” a center of Queer activism. It was a joyful, visible thread in the broader fabric of WorldPride DC. Local artists, drag performers, and DJs kept the energy high throughout the event, while local restaurants remained busy, serving a nonstop stream of enthusiastic customers.
“WorldPride proved that joy is resistance, and visibility is survival.”
RANDY DOWNS
WORLD PRIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL: GLOBAL DANCE PARTY
JUNE 6–7, 2025
64 PERFORMERS
3 STAGES
60,000+ ATTENDEES
The WorldPride Music Festival: Global Dance Party lit up RFK Stadium for two unforgettable nights of music, movement, and Queer joy.
Produced by Dreamland and Insomniac Events, the 18+ festival featured three stages and a genre-spanning lineup of global superstars like Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, RuPaul, Kim Petras, Renée Rapp, Paris Hilton, and Purple Disco Machine—plus hometown heroes like Ed Bailey and Fish House Funk. With immersive art, euphoric beats, and thousands dancing under rainbow lights, this once-in-a-generation event celebrated Pride at full volume.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: EMILY ALFF, LACEY RAHMANI
“We brought together world-renowned artists alongside emerging LGBTQ+ talent to ensure the programming was both globally impactful and deeply personal to our community.”
JAKE RESNICOW
JENNIFER LOPEZ
TROYE SIVAN
RENEÉ RAPP
ZEDD
GALANTIS
KIM PETRAS
MARINA
PARIS HILTON
PURPLE DISCO MACHINE
RAYE
RITA ORA
RUPAUL
SOFI TUKKER
TINASHE
ALUNA
BETTY WHO
DOMBRESKY PRESENTS
DISCO DOM
LP GIOBBI
PATRICK MASON
SASHA COLBY
SLAYYYTER
TRISHA PAYTAS
ANABEL ENGLUND
ANNE LOUISE
COCO & BREEZY
CRUSH CLUB
ESSEL
HAYLA
KALEENA ZANDERS
KARSTEN SOLLORS
LELAND + FRIENDS
MATT SUAVE
SAGI KARIV
SPENCER BROWN
MAIN NIGHTLIFE EVENTS
FULL BLOOM FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY, WOVEN TOGETHER DANCE PARTY, UNRAVELED: THE OFFICIAL WOMEN’S PARTY, AND FABRIC OF FREEDOM: MAIN EVENT
JUNE 6–7, 2025
13,000+ ATTENDEES
DC’s powerhouse producers and local promoters joined forces to create a truly unforgettable slate of marquee nightlife events for WorldPride DC. From massive dance floors to iconic performances, each party captured the vibrant energy of Queer nightlife in the nation’s capital.
FULL BLOOM, produced by the Flower Factory and Sweet Spot, turned 100,000 square feet into a technicolor rave garden, with sets by UNIIQU3, The Carry Nation, Dev, and DJ Ed Bailey across three stages. From carnival games to floral fits, this nightlife event for the 21+ crowd was part rave, part county fair, and all fabulous.
WOVEN TOGETHER, produced by Daryl Wilson Promotion, lit up The Park at 14th with bold fashion, infectious music, and a celebration of DC’s Black LGBTQ+ nightlife. With special guest Steven Norfleet and a packed house, it was a night of connection and unapologetic joy.
UNRAVELED, produced by Party With Honey and A 2 Zee Events, took over all four floors of The Park at 14th with more than 5,000 Queer women, femmes, Trans, and nonbinary guests. An all-female DJ lineup and a surprise appearance by Harlem star Jerrie Johnson made this an affirming, high-energy celebration of identity and visibility.
THE FABRIC OF FREEDOM MAIN EVENT, co-produced by KINETIC Presents, the Cherry Fund, and CPA, united thousands in the largest nighttime WorldPride party. With headliners Pabllo Vittar and Alyssa Edwards and performances across three stages, the venue vibrated with music, movement, and liberation.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BELINDA SHAO, OWEN MCCULLUM
WORLD PRIDE PARADE
JUNE 7, 2025
2
CONTINGENTS MILE PARADE ROUTE
35,000 PARTICIPANTS
4
ANNOUNCEMENT STANDS
The WorldPride Parade transformed DC’s streets into a vibrant river of color, spirit, and communion, marking 50 years of Pride in the nation’s capital. With 35,000 marchers and more than 300 groups participating, it became the largest Pride parade in the District’s history.
The procession kicked off in the historic U Street Corridor at 14th and T streets going straight down 14th Street and ending on Pennsylvania Avenue with the U.S. Capitol as the backdrop. Grand Marshals Renée Rapp and Laverne Cox, joined by CPA Honorees, InterPride Co-Presidents, local activists, and original DC Pride organizer Deacon Maccubbin, led the way as Indigenous leaders and elders conducted a smoke ceremony and a 1,000-foot rainbow flag unfurled.
Participants and paradegoers alike recognized the powerful symbolism of the sweeping rainbow flag kicking off the parade and winding its way through the crowd. At a time when Pride flags are being targeted by legislation across the country, the Gilbert Baker Foundation—who donated and crafted the flag using segments of historic Pride banners— is actively pushing back against these efforts to erase a vital symbol of acceptance. The display was a bold act of defiance, reclaiming visibility in the face of political hostility and sending a clear message: the LGBTQ+ community will not be silenced. Adding another layer of symbolism to the moment, members the LOVE (League of Voices for Equality) Chorus helped carry the flag along the parade route.
The six-hour celebration featured ornate floats, community groups, and international delegations. Paradegoers lined the route from rooftops to restaurants and the vibe was rainbow revelry meets resistance. This highly anticipated event honored the roots of Queer liberation while weaving DC’s local legacy into the global fabric of WorldPride.
Beyond its cultural significance, the parade delivered a major economic boost. Along the nearly two-mile route hotels were booked, and restaurants, bars, cafes, and street vendors stayed busy from start to finish. Businesses reported heavy foot traffic, with many extending hours and staffing up to meet demand. As the centerpiece of WorldPride DC, the parade wove together DC’s legacy of LGBTQ+ activism with a global call for visibility, justice, and joy.
“People flooded the sidewalks, spilled onto the streets and gathered on nearby rooftops, cheering and whistling as the WorldPride parade kicked off in Washington, D.C.” THE WASHINGTON POST
In the face of “state sanctioned fascism” the LGBTQ+ community needs to “rely on each other.”
LAVERNE COX ON MSNBC’S THE WEEKEND, JUNE 7, 2025
WORLD PRIDE STREET FESTIVAL
JUNE 7–8, 2025
325
500,000+
EXHIBITORS ATTENDEES
35 FOOD VENDORS
86 PERFORMERS
6 CITY BLOCKS
4 STAGES
The WorldPride Street Festival transformed six city blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue—between the White House and the U.S. Capitol—into a colorful tapestry of food, music, art, and community for two electrifying days.
An extension of the annual Capital Pride Festival, this year’s event stood out not only for its scale but for its unique status as one of the last and largest free Pride festivals in the country. All WorldPride DC weekend events culminated at the festival, which served as the Parade route finishing line and the venue for the Post-Parade and Closing Concerts.
Designed to inspire connection and Pride, the festival offered attendees the opportunity to browse hundreds of nonprofit booths, purchase Pride merch and support small businesses, enjoy diverse entertainment, and soak in the music, food, and community vibes. With 84 performers across four dynamic stages—including the Monument Dance Party, Dupont Entertainment Stage, Capitol Concert Stage, and Camp Pride family area—the festival showcased local, national, and international talent. Seven themed entertainment zones, 35 food vendors, and many beverage gardens offered something for everyone, while the only ticketed space—the VIP Zone—provided more comfortable amenities for guests 21+.
At the heart of the event was a deep commitment to inclusivity. Families found a haven at the Camp Pride family area, produced by The Brand Guild, where drag story hours, crafts, and sing-alongs created magical moments. Every space within the festival grounds was designed to celebrate the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities. From kids painting rocks to adults dancing into the night in front of the U.S. Capitol, every thread of the LGBTQ+ community was woven into this vibrant, unforgettable celebration.
The WorldPride Street Festival was more than a gathering; it was a living, breathing testament to the spirit and determination of LGBTQ+ communities worldwide to be seen and to celebrate their place in their own way in one of the most symbolic locations in the world.
2-DAY STREET FESTIVAL DUPONT
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
MISS CAPITAL PRIDE SHELITA RAMEN PITCHERS
DOMINGO ST. X
2-DAY STREET FESTIVAL MONUMENT DANCE STAGE
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
DJ
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
MISS CAPITAL PRIDE SHELITA RAMEN
NAMIBIA EQUAL RIGHTS MOVEMENT: DRAG BEYOND
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
DJ
DC’S DIFFERENT DRUMMERS CHEER
TONY & THE KIKI
ADAM KYLE
JOEMARI FELARCA
DRAG
TERAJ GREGORY DILLON
MICHAEL MIGUEL
VAGENESIS
DOMINGO
POST-PARADE + CLOSING CONCERT
JUNE 7–8, 2025
The spirit of Pride didn’t end at sundown—it only grew louder. The celebration surged into the evening with a free, open-air concert on Pennsylvania Avenue, part of the Street Festival.
Under the glow of the U.S. Capitol, thousands gathered for unforgettable performances by LGBTQ+ artists and allies, including Cynthia Erivo, David Archuleta, Kristine W., and CeCe Peniston. In one of the most poignant moments of the day, British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo performed John Lennon’s “Imagine” against the very backdrop of an institution currently debating laws targeting Trans and LGBTQ+ rights.
That same spirit of defiance and unity carried into the grand finale on Sunday, when the WorldPride DC celebration closed with a free concert on the WorldPride Street Festival’s Capitol Concert Stage. Headlined by genre-bending powerhouse Doechii, the celebration pulsed with energy, purpose, and Pride. Hundreds of thousands gathered beneath the open sky as Khalid, Brooke Eden, 2AM Ricky, Parker Matthews, MkX, and local talent kept spirits high and the crowd moving.
Through tears and the roar of the cheering crowd, American singer-songwriter Khalid—who came out publicly in November 2024—shared an emotional message:
“It’s my first time performing at Pride. This is my first time being at Pride... I wanna thank you guys so much for accepting me. Thank you for supporting me. It means the world to me. It makes me so happy. I feel like I’m home here on the stage. It feels pretty big.”
The finale was bold, unifying, and unforgettable—a reminder that the fight for freedom ends not in silence, but in song.
KHALID
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DIMA GILMOUR, YURI LEE, PATRICK MAGEE, TONY PIER, JUDY SCHLOSS, JOE SIRAKAS
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
CYNTHIA ERIVO
DAVID ARCHULETA
CECE PENISTON
KRISTINE W
PANGINA HEALS
TATIANNA
KEVIN AVIANCE
BETTY
ALISE KING
JOHN LEVENGOOD
VAGENESIS
JONATHAN BUSH
DJ KEENAN ORR
JERRY HOUSTON (HOST)
DESTINY B. CHILDS (HOST)
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
DOECHII
KHALID
BROOKE EDEN
2AM RICKY
MKX
PARKER MATTHEWS
COURTNEY ACT
LYDIA B. KOLLINS
RAVEN-SYMONÉ
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF DC
JONATHAN BUSH
FREDDIE’S FOLLIES
SHAW’S TAVERN DRAG
SAD BRUNCH
ELLA FITZGERALD
MR. MX. MISS CAPITAL PRIDE
DJ TWIN
JERRY HOUSTON (HOST)
DESTINY B. CHILDS (HOST)
SUNDAY SUNSET DANCE PARTY WITH DJ TRACY YOUNG
INTERNATIONAL RALLY + MARCH ON WASHINGTON FOR FREEDOM
JUNE 8, 2025
35 SPEAKERS
5,000
ATTENDEES
Under gray skies that mirrored the current state of LGBTQ+ and human rights, thousands of marchers gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for the rally and march—a powerful conclusion to a weekend of celebration, a stark reminder of the work ahead, and a call to action.
The rain did little to dampen the defiance in the crowd, as activists, community members, and allies stood shoulder to shoulder with protest signs—“Ban bombs not bathrooms,” “Proud gay federal worker,” “We will not be erased”—mixing in with the sea of umbrellas.
Powered by the leadership of local, national, and international activists, the rally and march carried historic weight. Organizations like the National Trans Visibility March and Outright International created powerful moments of solidarity for those often pushed into the shadows. Members of the National Trans Visibility March made a symbolic journey from the Human Rights Campaign headquarters to the rally, joining voices in a unified call for justice. Outright International’s March for All initiative invited participants to carry or wear the names of LGBTQ+ people from around the world who could not march themselves because oppressive laws, hate, or safety concerns. Their rallying cry, “Can’t march at Pride? We’ll march with your name. Marching? Carry someone else’s,” turned the event into a moving act of global visibility.
Acknowledging that fundamental freedoms—and our very democracy—are at risk, speakers addressed a rise in hate and marginalization and called for collective resistance against attacks on gender, race, and identity. As marchers moved from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol, the moment echoed Pride’s roots as protest: a reclaiming of space, a global act of solidarity, and a living demonstration that the Fabric of Freedom grows stronger when we come together to resist.
“The future we're fighting for is not some distant dream or distant reality, it's happening right now... It's happening right here and we don't have a second to waste.”
KELLEY ROBINSON
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN PRESIDENT
FEATURED SPEAKERS
DeWayne "Dee" Crank (Navajo Nation)
Hannah Spiro
Bianca Sprague (Trans Pride Washington DC)
Jami Vallesteros (AQUA DC)
Sophie Fisher (DC Trans Community Organizer)
Mimi Gonzales (Activist/Comedian)
Taylor Chandler (Activist/CPA Board Member)
Carla Antonelli (Spanish elected official)
Dejon Campbell (Family Equality)
Paula Neira (Transgender & genderexpansive health care policy expert)
Evan Low (Victory Fund)
Kelley Robinson (Human Rights Campaign)
Brian Michael Smith (Trans Actor)
Malcolm Kenyatta (PA Elected Official)
Raquel Willis
Tynetta Mckoy (St. Lucian Activist)
Tyler Hack, CEO Christopher Street
Denisse Cufré (Argentinian Activist)
Kenya Hutton (CBE)
Yasmin Benoit (Asexual Activist)
Richard Fowler (Journalist)
Xemi (Indigenous voice)
Laith Ashley (Actor/Singer)
Rozia Henson (Virginia State Delegate)
Japer Bowles (MOLGBTQ)
Marissa Miller (NTVM) introduce Dr. Nichols
Dr. Elijah Nichols (NTVM)
Lily Rood (Youth Speaker)
Preston Mitchum (Activist/Actor)
Hope Giselle (Activist)
Zachary Parker (DC Council Member)
Michael Ighadoro (Nigerian Activist)
Victoria Kirby York
Chris Mosier (Trans Athlete)
CLOSING CEREMONY
JUNE 8, 2025
An extraordinary week of WorldPride DC deserved nothing less than an unforgettable finale. The Closing Ceremony unfolded alongside the final day of the WorldPride Festival and Concert, transforming downtown DC into a place of reflection, celebration, and the passing of the torch, right in front of the U.S. Capitol.
Throughout the day, local activists, members of CPA and WorldPride DC teams, InterPride leaders, and celebrity guests offered powerful closing remarks, interwoven with stirring performances and moments of gratitude. The program not only honored those who made the three weeks of WorldPride possible, but also looked back at the historic celebrations that united communities from across the globe in Washington, DC.
The ceremonial handoff of WorldPride to Amsterdam, the host city for 2026, marked the official passing of the WorldPride title. Pride Amsterdam organizers, dressed in traditional Dutch clothing, debuted a video inviting the world to experience their city’s iconic Pride celebration, followed by remarks from Deputy Mayor Touria Meliani. The moment honored tradition with the symbolic transfer of Gender Neutral Gerry, a beloved WorldPride icon, and the Sydney WorldPride Talking Stick—a new tradition, begun with WorldPride DC that recognizes the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) leadership in the host city. InterPride Co-Presidents joined the ceremony, highlighting the continuity of a global movement that connects cities, cultures, and generations in the ongoing fight for equality and celebration of love.
The Closing Ceremony was not just an ending—it was a bridge to the future of WorldPride, reminding all in attendance that the movement continues, stronger than ever.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MANDIE GARCIA
WORLD PRIDE COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM
MAY 17–JUNE 8, 2025
GRANTEES
$500,000 AWARDED 200 APPLICANTS
WorldPride DC was designed not only as a global celebration, but also as a platform to elevate local voices and grassroots leadership.
To achieve this, CPA, with the support of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, launched the WorldPride Community Grants Program—a first-of-its-kind initiative that placed resources directly into the hands of community members.
The program awarded $500,000 to 19 individuals and organizations, chosen from more than 200 applications requesting over $6.4 million. This overwhelming response demonstrated a wellspring of creativity, urgency, and resilience within the community—and the untapped potential that emerges when resources are equitably shared.
Guided by a panel of 20 community peer reviewers, the grantmaking process ensured that lived experience, integrity, and a commitment to equity informed the decision-making. As a result, the projects funded reflected the diverse brilliance of LGBTQ+ life, from large-scale cultural experiences to intimate community healing spaces.
This experiment succeeded. By putting resources directly into community hands, WorldPride DC sparked dozens of unique, grassroots-led projects that enriched the celebration, reflected the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experience, and left a legacy of empowerment that will endure far beyond the closing ceremony.
THE 15TH STREET RAINBOW ROAD MURAL PROJECT
As part of WorldPride DC, the 15th Street Rainbow Road Mural Project transformed over 10,000 square feet of protected bike lanes and no-parking zones into a rainbow-hued celebration of LGBTQ+ pride and visibility. Led by renowned muralist Lisa Marie Thalhammer and commissioned in partnership with CPA, the project brought together 165 participants—including 157 volunteers and eight LGBTQ+ artists—to create what is believed to be one of the longest murals of its kind. Spanning 15th Street between O and V streets NW, the mural not only celebrates LGBTQ+ identity but also enhances street safety and visibility for cyclists, combining artistry with direct community impact.
The project was met with enthusiastic community support, strong volunteer turnout—including from local biking groups—and widespread positive feedback from residents, commuters, and visitors. Artists contributed powerful, unique designs that elevated the project into a collective work of public art. Volunteers expressed pride in contributing to something tangible, joyful, and enduring, even while navigating extreme heat and rain. 19
GRANT RECIPIENTS
FUNDING REQUEST NAME
RAINBOW ROAD
DECOLONIZED BEATZ INDIGENOUS WORLD PRIDE 2025
“WORLD PRIDE DC: DEAF, DEAFBLIND, DEAF DISABLED & HARD OF HEARING CELEBRATION”
WORLD PRIDE LITERARY PROGRAMMING
“MEMORY BOX, PRIDE EDITION: KEEPING OUR PRIDE ALIVE”
DUPONT UNDERGROUND
DRAG BEYOND BORDERS: QUEER CULTURE IS AFRICAN CULTURE
FOOD RESCUE FROM WORLD PRIDE: REDUCING WASTE AND FEEDING THE COMMUNITY
ELEVATE: THE ULTIMATE BLACK PRIDE KICKOFF
GA’AVA: WORLD PRIDE AT THE EDCJCC
TRANSGENDER REMEMBRANCE MEMORIAL FLAG DISPLAY
WORLD PRIDE EXCHANGE DC PROGRAM, MAY 30–JUNE 1
TAKE ME HOME: A JOURNEY THROUGH DC’S QUEER PLACES + SOUNDS OF THE 80S & 90S
WEAVING RESISTANCE: STORYTELLING WITH SARIS
PRIDE IS A PROTEST STREET FAIR AT BRYANT STREET FEATURING METROBAR
OVER THE RAINBOW FASHION SHOW CELEBRATING THE FABRIC OF FREEDOM
GAY FOR #DCTHEATRE
WASHINGTON IMPROV THEATER SPOTLIGHTS DC-BASED COMEDIC TALENT
COLORS OF PRIDE
APPLYING ORGANIZATION
ADAMS MORGAN PARTNERSHIP BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
CRUSHING COLONIALISM
DC ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF
DC PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS DC
DUPONT UNDERGROUND
EQUAL NAMIBIA
FOOD RESCUE US
GBELAWOE (JOSHUA) HOUSEHOLD
GLITTER FOUNDATION UTAH
GLOBAL FASHION EXCHANGE
GRAN VARONES
JAHAN BOSE (MONICA) HOUSEHOLD
METROBAR
GLBTQ OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT AT THE EDLAVITCH DCJCC RGP
THEATRE WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON IMPROVISATIONAL THEATER CO.
WUNDER GARTEN/PROUST PARTNERS LLC
DIVERSITY OF PRIDES
One of WorldPride DC’s defining achievements was the creation and expansion of the Diversity of Prides Fund, a model designed out of necessity to ensure that programming reflected the full richness of the LGBTQ+ community.
Washington, DC, is unique in hosting multiple identity-based Pride celebrations, a legacy of the District’s long history of grassroots organizing and intersectional advocacy. From DC Black Pride—the nation’s first and largest of its kind—to Latinx Pride and API Pride, these events have grown into vital spaces where community members gather to celebrate culture, confront challenges, and build collective power.
WorldPride DC amplified these existing Prides while also investing in the creation of new coalitions that addressed historically underrepresented groups. Veterans Pride, Women’s Pride, Youth Pride, Silver Pride, and Trans Pride coalitions formed, each empowered to shape programming “for their community, by their community.” This approach not only expanded the celebration’s reach but also built trust and ensured authenticity in how Pride was experienced across the District.
By directly funding these diverse Prides and coalitions, WorldPride DC drastically expanded programming and elevated community ownership. More voices were heard, more stories were shared, and more residents saw themselves reflected in the global celebration. The Diversity of Prides Fund also fostered buy-in across communities, turning attendees into collaborators and participants into stakeholders.
This model stands as a key legacy of WorldPride DC: a recognition that the LGBTQ+ community is not monolithic, and that true inclusion requires intentional investment in its many identities. Future host cities are encouraged to adopt and expand this coalition-based framework to ensure Pride remains as diverse and resilient as the people it represents.
Together, the Community Grants Program and the Diversity of Prides initiatives drastically expanded WorldPride DC programming, generating both economic stimulus and cultural impact. More importantly, these investments created greater community buy-in—transforming WorldPride DC from a centralized celebration into a shared experiment in collective ownership.
“A personal highlight for me was my speech to the crowd from the main stage just before icon CeCe Peniston performed. I talked about my military service under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and my subsequent career working for the Navy and as a defense contractor for a total of 34 years. I told the crowd about my compartmented life over all those years. In my current chapter, work for Marvin Bowser Photography, I’ve reclaimed my soul. I stand unapologetically in my truth. And, I’m not going back. The entire WorldPride experience immeasurably strengthened my bonds to the LGBTQIA+ community.”
MAY 27–JUNE 8, 2025 | PRODUCED BY THE QUEER AND TRANS ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER (QTAPI) COALITION: AQUA DC, APIQS, KHUSH DC, KQT DC, CARIBBEAN EQUALITY PROJECT, AND NQAPIA, AMONG OTHERS.
The API Pride Coalition was formed to center and celebrate Queer Asian and Pacific Islander identities, which are too often overlooked within broader LGBTQ+ spaces. By creating intentional platforms for visibility—on stage, in leadership, and in community—API Pride affirmed that representation is not only powerful, but necessary.
During WorldPride DC, API Pride organized a multi-week series of more than 20 events that uplifted API LGBTQ+ voices through cultural performances, film screenings, leadership panels, and community gatherings. Participants were invited to attend a Dim Sum brunch, a political panel, a King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol, an Asian night market, an inclusive Eid al-Adha prayer service, and a Korean Queer and Trans workshop, among other offerings and celebrations.
The events were intentionally selected to reflect the themes of cultural pride, artistic excellence, and political visibility and to amplify API stories across generations, traditions, and identities. These programs honored the rich heritage, contributions, and resilience of the API Queer community, weaving their stories into the broader fabric of WorldPride.
Attendance was high at the majority of the sponsored activities, however, the most well attended programs (350 attendees each) included the 20th Anniversary Screening of Saving Face, with Director Alice Wu at the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum, the Desi & South Asian Drag Show at Sinners & Saints, and the QTAPI Nightlife Dance Party at the Koi Lounge.
DEAF, DEAFBLIND, DEAF DISABLED, AND HARD OF HEARING PRIDE
MAY 22–JUNE 8, 2025 | PRODUCED BY THE DC ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF
As part of their commitment to disability inclusion, WorldPride DC organizers awarded a community grant to the DC Association of the Deaf (DCAD) to support accessible and affirming programming.
In collaboration with the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf, DCAD led the development of a diverse slate of events specifically for the Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard of Hearing LGBTQ+ community. A longstanding local organization, DCAD empowers Deaf individuals through advocacy, inclusion, and community-building. Their WorldPride DC events created meaningful and safe spaces where Deaf LGBTQ+ people could fully participate in the celebration: ASL Poly Social Night, BIPOC ASL Queer Night, a Lesbian/ Trans/ Nonbinary Social, a Queer cookout, and ASL Open Mic. Each event fostered community, visibility, joy, and Pride while centering identity, connection, and celebration through accessible programming.
DC BLACK PRIDE
MAY 23–25, 2025 | PRODUCED BY THE CENTER FOR BLACK EQUITY
The Center for Black Equity (CBE) is a global network committed to advancing health, economic empowerment, and equal rights for Black LGBTQ+ communities. It organizes DC Black Pride, the first official Black gay pride event in the United States, which began in 1991 to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and continues to celebrate Black LGBTQ+ culture and resilience annually over Memorial Day weekend in Washington, DC.
“WorldPride was meaningful to me because it wasn’t just a celebration; it was a powerful reminder that we are part of a global community that refuses to be silenced or erased. Standing in spaces filled with people from every corner of the world, all carrying their own stories of struggle and resilience, I felt both humbled and energized. It showed that while our identities are diverse, our fight for equity, dignity, and joy is universal.”
KENYA HUTTON, CENTER FOR BLACK EQUITY PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kicking off Black Pride celebrations, Mayor Bowser proclaimed May 23 as TS Madison Day in honor of the Trans activist and podcast host who recently launched a home for formerly incarcerated Black Trans women. Bowser’s proclamation read: “TS Madison is a fearless advocate and cultural icon who has used her life and voice to lift up our most vulnerable, standing tall in the face of stigma and speaking truth where silence once reigned.”
For WorldPride DC, CBE delivered dozens of events and workshops over a five-day period. Among the most well attended events were the Opening Ceremony Reception (2,500 attendees), Black Pride Unity Ball (1,100 attendees), and the Black Queer Film Festival (60 attendees per day). Other highlights included the CBE Community Conversations Summit, a Poetry Slam, and drag brunch. A robust slate of workshops tackled subjects ranging from religion, parenting, sexpectations, self-care, and hair. A majority of attendees rated their experience with DC Black Pride programming as positive.
Since 1991, CBE has grown into a global movement that creates space for Black LGBTQ+ people to feel seen, heard, and celebrated—in spheres that transcend Pride events. Organizations that lead Black Prides actively work to build solidarity, support health and wellness, promote unity, and advance education, economic empowerment, and the values of collective work, responsibility, and self-determination.
DC LATINX PRIDE
MAY 23–25, 2025 | PRODUCED BY THE LATINX HISTORY PROJECT
This year’s DC Latinx Pride 2025 theme, ¡Libre Soy!, was a powerful declaration that freedom to exist, love, and celebrate can never be taken away. Featuring more than 20 events, the celebration honored the resilience, culture, and history of Latinx LGBTQ+ communities through a dynamic mix of lively fiestas, spiritual and healing spaces, political discussions, and community gatherings.
With performances from both local and national talent, Latinx Pride brought together voices across generations and borders to uplift shared roots and decades of activism that continue to shape their identities.
Latinx Pride achieved major success with over 3,875 attendees across diverse events that included the official party, La Fiesta; a chance to move and commune in nature, La Sanación; Noche de Jotería: A Queer Latine Variety Show; a film festival; the DC Latinx LGBTQ History Tour; along with other mixers, parties, and receptions.
Successes included packed signature parties, city-level recognition, and deepened collaboration with local Queer businesses and organizations. The celebration also created vital spaces for faith-based reflection, Indigenous inclusion, and Trans Latinx community building, while ensuring broad accessibility through events held across a wide range of venues.
Health and wellness events drew positive reviews but much smaller crowds than the parties. Organizers agreed that more planning time, support, and targeted outreach would have helped with staffing shortages, event fatigue, and some program cancellations.
DC SILVER PRIDE
MAY
21 & 27, 2025 |
PRODUCED BY THE SEABURY RESOURCES FOR AGING
Silver Pride honored the trailblazers of the LGBTQ+ movement—older adults whose lives and activism shaped the freedoms we celebrate today. From Stonewall to the AIDS crisis to the ongoing fight for inclusion, this generation embodies resilience, wisdom, and Pride.
“Participating in WorldPride was the honor of a lifetime. We were thrilled to have the chance to show our love and support for the Stonewall Generation”
SOPHIE F.
WorldPride DC featured Silver Pride events including a Resource Fair and Tea Dance (150 attendees), offering information and community in a celebratory atmosphere, and How We Got Here & What We Do Now (50 attendees), a speaker series moderated by Rayceen Pendarvis and featuring legendary advocates Jose Gutierrez, Gabrielle Thomas, and Cheryl A. Head, sharing stories, insights, and calls to action for the next generation.
One participant described Silver Pride as “A beautiful and necessary celebration of resilience, memory, and dignity. It honored the elders of our LGBTQIAPN+ community—those who paved the way with courage and grace, often em meio à invisibilidade e à violência. To witness their stories being uplifted in an atmosphere of joy and reverence was deeply touching. It reminded me that Pride is not only about the present moment, but also about preserving the legacy of those who came before us. May Silver Pride continue to grow, always affirming that aging with Pride is a right, not a privilege.”
People came early, stayed late, ate, danced, made friends, and enjoyed themselves at the largest Silver Pride celebration in DC history. Organizers reached dozens of LGBTQ+ older adults who were not otherwise engaged with their programming. Positive media coverage of the events included stories from WJLA and Washington Blade.
INTERFAITH PRIDE
MAY
30–JUNE 7, 2025
| PRODUCED BY CENTER FAITH AT THE DC LGBTQ+ CENTER
WorldPride DC made faith and spirituality central to its celebration by offering inclusive interfaith programming that affirmed the vital role of faith in LGBTQ+ life. The highlight was the Pride Interfaith Service at All Souls Church Unitarian, continuing a 42-year tradition of gathering annually.
“DC is seen as a leader leader in interfaith events and dialogue providing an annual interfaith Service for 42 years. WorldPrideDC 2025 was provided as a showcase of collaboration that is building future events and inspiring a new generation of up and coming interfaith planners. We were able to provide a model of interfaith work for other cities who host a Pride Parade and festival to also host an annual interfaith service.”
REV. ERIC ELDRITCH, CENTER FAITH (LGBTQ+ INTERFAITH INFORMATION AND REFERRAL) OF THE DC CENTER FOR THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
Organized by Center Faith, the service brought together 37 dynamic speakers, including clergy and community leaders from a wide array of faith traditions, creating a rich, engaging presentation of unity, ritual, and affirmation. The event drew an enthusiastic and energized audience—400 attending in person and 373 more joining via live stream—who were not only moved by the spiritual depth of the service but also inspired to take meaningful action for social justice.
Forty people from many faiths—Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, Hindu, Sikh, and Christian—attended the LGBTQ+ Interfaith Community Faith Leaders Brunch, which also attracted 450 views online. This heartfelt event offered a unique space for reflection on the past and engagement with the present, while envisioning the future. The group discussed coming together in fellowship and support more regularly, making it a quarterly tradition and rotating through various places of worship across the city.
Other programming included Pride in Pluralism: The Past, Present, and Future of Cross-Movement Solidarity (30 attendees). The event invited communities in the DC metro area to join a conversation with historians, leaders, and activists to discuss the state of the interfaith and LGBTQ+ movement while also discussing the points of intersection among these movements.
In her remarks at the WorldPride DC Human Rights Conference on June 5, 2025, Bishop of Washington Mariann Edgar Budde criticized political leaders for “trying to turn back the clock” on LGBTQ+ rights. She also called on those attending WorldPride DC to embrace hope and joy to sustain them through a time of fear and anxiety around the Trump administration’s continued attacks on LGBTQ+ rights.
TRANS PRIDE
MAY 17–JUNE 8, 2025 | PRODUCED BY TRANS PRIDE WASHINGTON DC, BLACK IN SPACE, DC SAFEHAVEN, AND TRANS LIBERATION MOVEMENT
Trans-centered programming at WorldPride DC boldly created safe spaces amid heightened safety concerns and a challenging U.S. political climate. International travelers faced added risks, yet organizers worked tirelessly to create secure, affirming spaces where Trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse people could gather in joy and solidarity.
Trans Pride Washington delivered a powerful lineup of more than a dozen events celebrating visibility, resilience, and leadership. Anchored by a full-day conference at the MLK Memorial Library with 475+ attendees, programming featured workshops, panels, a resource fair, and dynamic performances. Festivities expanded with a kickoff party, networking events, Sunday Funday, and integration into the WorldPride Parade and Festival. Honorees received Engendered Spirit Awards, while participants praised the authenticity of Trans-led leadership at every level.
EVENT SPOTLIGHTS
I WISH YOU LOVE
A Jazz Brunch at The City Club brought together 175 people for an afternoon of jazz, poetry, and community led by Black Trans and Queer creatives.
DANCING INTO THE STARS
A multimedia collaboration celebrating Black LGBTQ+ ancestry, sound, and storytelling.
LIBERATION WEEKEND
A Trans punk festival that drew 1,000+ people across two venues, raising $35,000 for the Gender Liberation Movement. With 30 acts, including Ted Leo, Downtown Boys, L’Rain, and Pinkshift, the event fused music, protest, and radical care to resist anti-Trans legislation.
WorldPride 2025 ensured Trans voices were not just included—but centered, celebrated, and amplified on the global stage.
“Dancing into the Stars is a tribute to Black LGBTQ+ brilliance— celebrating our stories through music, media, and movement. Thanks to WorldPride, Capital Pride Alliance, and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, we made space for joy, visibility, and paid creative expression. This project affirms our art is powerful and essential.”
LEE LEVINGSTON PERINE, FOUNDER, BLACK IN SPACE
NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCH
JUNE 3–8, 2025 | PRODUCED BY THE NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCH
The National Trans Visibility March was founded in 2019 with a clear purpose: to uplift and protect Trans lives, to demand equity, and to turn visibility into real systemic change.
What began as a historic march in Washington, DC, has now become a national platform for collective action— mobilizing thousands of Trans people and allies to challenge injustice, build policy power, and fight for a future that ensures safety, dignity, and leadership for all Trans people.
At WorldPride DC, NTVM focused on action, pushing back against policies meant to erase Trans identities and building something bigger than a moment. Against a backdrop of rising hate and legislative attacks, community members organized a Policy and Safety Summit within the WorldPride DC Human Rights Conference to demand protection, shift power, and to center Trans lives in every space. Then they marched to join the International Rally + March for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial to speak out against violence and call for meaningful change. The rally featured passionate speeches, community chants, and a unified message: Trans people are not an afterthought— they are a force. The event culminated at the U.S. Capitol, where participants joined the WorldPride Street Festival and Closing Concert.
“Our mission at the NTVM is to create systemic change, foster community power, and build a future where Trans liberation is fully realized. Our vision for the march is one of purposeful action, unity, and profound policy impact. We are not only visible—we are influential.”
DR. ELIJAH NICHOLAS, LEAD STRATEGY DIRECTOR AND NATIONAL DIRECTOR
OF POLICY AND STRATEGY FOR NTVM
VETERAN & MILITARY PRIDE
MAY 30–JUNE 7, 2025 | PRODUCED BY MODERN MILITARY, SPARTA PRIDE, MINORITY VETERANS OF AMERICA, AND THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
The first-ever DC Veteran and Service Pride Weekend celebrated and supported LGBTQ+ individuals across military and veteran communities in a citywide series of events. As the first known Pride weekend in the nation specifically dedicated to LGBTQ+ service members and veterans, it marked a historic and meaningful inclusion in the broader Diversity of Pride programming.
The events not only spotlighted the strength and diversity of LGBTQ+ service members and veterans but also helped broaden public awareness of their presence, contributions, and needs. Crucially, the initiative also strengthened relationships between LGBTQ+ veterans and key institutions—most notably, the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, which affirmed its role as a welcoming and inclusive resource. By bringing together multiple organizations to host events across the city, the weekend fostered new partnerships and laid the foundation for continued collaboration and visibility for years to come.
The weekend featured a range of events, including the WorldPride Military and Veteran Mixer and Drag Show (81 attendees) at Red Bear Brewing, a joyful night of community and performance with queens MaKayla Starr, Smash, and Sauvage. Modern Military’s annual celebration and fundraiser honored LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and allies, and included remarks from Secretary Tony Woods of Maryland’s Department of Veterans and Military Families. Other highlights included Our Stories, Our Truth (55 attendees), a storytelling event by Minority Veterans of America, and a family-friendly WorldPride Military and Veteran Field Day at Alethia Tanner Park. More than 60 people enjoyed activities ranging from a rainbow unicorn bounce house for kids to unlimited access to the obstacle course bounce house for adults and a cornhole tournament.
WOMEN’S PRIDE
MAY
30–JUNE 7, 2025
| PRODUCED BY THE WOMEN’S PRIDE COALITION
The Women’s Pride Coalition, a collective of organizers and community leaders, curated a powerful lineup of women-centered events for WorldPride DC. With an emphasis on wellness, inclusion, the arts, and community, the programming amplified LGBTQ+ women’s voices and made a strong call to action for lesbians to unite.
Highlights included the Women’s Health Rally (80 attendees), a daytime Tea Dance (290 attendees), Women’s Wellness Yoga (110 attendees), and the Femmes and Chicas Mixer (75 attendees). Podcast host Liz Culley moderated Power Moves: Lesbian Leadership in Action (125 attendees), co-sponsored by Project LPAC, the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Policy Initiatives, and Linder Global Events and featuring Congresswoman Emily Randall, George Washington University President Ellen Granberg, and author Mary Trump in a compelling conversation on visibility and ambition. The series wrapped up with Amplifying Queer Voices (15 attendees), a candid discussion on media, allyship, and representation. On June 1, Tanzi West, Director of Marketing and Communications at the MLK Memorial Library, was honored with the Women’s Pride Proclamation for her leadership in advancing women’s initiatives and community engagement.
Across the slate of events, the tea dance, the Amplifying live taping at the LINE Hotel, and the Ladies First party at MLK Memorial Library received especially positive feedback, with attendees praising the intergenerational spaces, curated programming, and collaborative spirit. Despite some operational hurdles, WorldPride women’s programming achieved strong attendance and meaningful impact, highlighting the power of collective organizing and the need for continued investment in LGBTQ+ women’s spaces.
YOUTH PRIDE
MAY 30–JUNE 7, 2025 | PRODUCED BY SMYAL, LATIN AMERICA YOUTH CENTER, SHOUT MOUTH PRESS, TEACH FOR AMERICA AND VIRGINIA PRISM
A coalition-driven initiative, Youth Pride at WorldPride DC focused on creating safe, empowering spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and the families, educators, and allies who support them. Led by organizations like SMYAL, Latin America Youth Center, Shout Mouth Press, and Teach for America and Virginia PRISM, these events connected youth to resources, peers, and affirming experiences that celebrate identity, resilience, and community.
Highlights included SMYAL Pride (145 attendees), a family-friendly event with age-specific programming, games, art, music, and more. Teen Pride Skate and Create drew more than 50 attendees. “We’re really happy with the turnout and had a number of parents who came with their kids,” said Marie Moll, one of the organizers. “It was great to see so many families come out to support their young people.”
Pride Rising offered Gen Z (18+) a high-energy evening of drag, speakers, and civic empowerment (150 attendees). Proud to Teach invited LGBTQ+ educators to share tools for inclusive classrooms. Tara Hoot was the featured guest, and eight prizes were given out as part of a Bingo game to encourage attendees to get to know one another (40 attendees). And another key event celebrated the publication of The Light Looks Like Me, a youth-authored anthology, with live readings from all 14 authors and a book signing; more than 100 attended at the Apple Carnegie Library.
“Youth Pride was more than a celebration—it was proof of the power of young people leading with joy, courage, and authenticity. Together, we showed that our voices and our presence are unstoppable, and that the future of our movement is brighter than ever.”
RILEY REED
PARTNER EVENTS
To expand the reach and diversity of programming, CPA licensed the WorldPride name to partner organizations, empowering them to host their own events while maintaining quality through an application review process.
Applications opened in November 2024, and approved events received tiered benefits, including social media promotion, website placement, and ticketing support. Over 300 partner events were affiliated with WorldPride DC.
This partnership model enriched all program pillars. Featured events included the International Pride Orchestra concert (Arts + Culture), Pride on the Pier Boat Parade (District Wharf and Washington Blade), AIDS Quilt Viewing (Gay Men’s Chorus), and the 50th anniversary exhibit “Pickets, Protests, and Parades” (Rainbow History Project). Attendance ranged from intimate gatherings to thousands of participants, with Arts + Culture hosting the largest number of events. Organizers consistently praised CPA’s collaboration, communication, and visibility, highlighting the value of branding, marketing, and social media support in amplifying their events.
MARKETING BY THE NUMBERS
Marketing WorldPride DC began in 2022, shortly after the District learned it would host. From the start, organizers committed to building visibility, inspiring action, and connecting communities through a bold, global communications strategy.
This journey unfolded against a backdrop of intensifying political attacks on LGBTQ+ rights—particularly targeting Trans and nonbinary communities. A robust, multi-channel approach emerged, combining paid media, earned and editorial storytelling, and global partnerships with digital influencers to amplify the message of WorldPride during a critical moment for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and abroad.
Through a strong social media presence and close collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, media outlets at every level, and grassroots networks, organizers elevated LGBTQ+ voices and extended WorldPride’s reach far beyond DC. These efforts transformed obstacles into opportunities, elevated the urgency of advocacy and community, and underscored the importance of WorldPride taking place in Washington, DC. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Pride in the nation’s capital, the campaign positioned the city as a global hub for diplomacy and exchange, expanding the reach of Pride into countries and communities where Pride remains only a dream—and ensuring that the impact of WorldPride was felt worldwide.
21,000
MEDIA CLIPS ACROSS BROADCAST TV, RADIO, ONLINE, AND PRINT
MEDIA OUTLET HIGHLIGHTS
ABC NEWS, ABC (AUSTRALIA), ENEWS, AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE, ASSOCIATED PRESS, BBC, BILLBOARD, CNN, MSNBC, NEW YORK TIMES, OUT, REUTERS, WASHINGTON BLADE, UNIVISION, USA TODAY, WASHINGTONIAN, WASHINGTON POST
100 BILLION GLOBAL IMPRESSIONS OVER DESTINATION DC
BROADCAST
GOOD MORNING AMERICA, NPR, PBS, THE TODAY SHOW COUNTRIES
Destination DC invested more than $3.5 million dollars in paid advertising across the United States and 10 key international markets, working with 32 advertising partners and leveraging a strategic mix of channels to maximize reach. Destination DC generated more than $39 million in global media attention (advertising equivalency). Coverage from more than 175 clips across online, print, and broadcast outlets reached more than 1.5 billion people (circulation), going far in extending the message that Washington, DC, is a welcoming and inclusive destination for visitors of all backgrounds.
LEGACY + RECOMMENDATIONS
WorldPride DC was a labor of love, made possible by thousands of officials, organizers, artists, partners, volunteers, and participants. Visitors from near and far gathered to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, unite against political backlash, and inspire resilience worldwide. DC rose to the occasion, delivering programming that honored 50 years of Pride while creating a milestone for future generations.
LEGACY
PRIDE365 MOBILE APP & RADIO – On June 2, 2025, Pride365 and the Capital Pride Alliance launched Pride365 Radio, a new streaming radio station amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, Queer artistry, and Pride events year-round. With original programming available 24 hours a day, the station is now live on the Pride365 App, on the Pride365 website at Pride365.org/listen, Live365, and other free apps such iHeartRadio, Apple Music, Audacy, and TuneIn.
TASTE OF PRIDE – A citywide culinary program highlighting LGBTQ+ owned and allied restaurants, Taste of Pride celebrated cultural and gastronomic diversity, strengthened community engagement, and raised funds for the Pride365 Fund supporting local LGBTQ+ organizations.
15TH STREET ART MURAL – Commissioned for WorldPride DC, this mural transformed a public space into a vibrant, permanent reflection of the city’s LGBTQ+ history, culture, and resilience. Designed by local artists in collaboration with community leaders, the mural serves as both a cultural landmark and a lasting visual testament to Pride, inspiring residents and visitors alike.
RECOMMENDATIONS
HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE – Future summits should continue fostering cross-community dialogue, ensuring accessibility, culturally competent security, multilingual outreach, and skill-building opportunities to translate discussion into action.
WORLDPRIDE COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM – Early, robust grants with peer-review panels stimulate innovation, equity, and local economic impact. Even modest investments yield outsized returns, cultivating ownership and amplifying community voices.
DIVERSITY OF PRIDES: COALITION BUILDING + FUNDING – Funding identity-based Prides strengthens trust, attendance, and authentic representation. Future hosts should position diverse Prides as core programs, not side events, affirming intersectionality as central to Pride’s future.
GOVERNMENT INTERAGENCY COORDINATION + STRATEGIC SUPPORT – Strong, early interagency collaboration and dedicated funding reduced duplication, ensured security and accessibility, and signaled Pride as a citywide priority. Future hosts should establish task forces with clear roles, shared goals, and consistent funding.
CENTRAL WELCOME + VISUAL ARTS HUB – A free, accessible hub connecting attendees to programming, local artists, and resources enhances visitor experience while embedding community ownership. Future hosts should prioritize central, multi-functional spaces to unite community and culture.
WorldPride DC demonstrated the power of community-driven planning, inclusive funding, public art, and strategic government support, leaving a legacy of innovation, resilience, and inspiration for future hosts. These lessons ensure WorldPride remains a global celebration of LGBTQ+identity, culture, and unity.
GOVERNMENT INTERAGENCY COORDINATION + STRATEGIC SUPPORT
WorldPride DC was made possible through the unprecedented collaboration of over 120 government staff, 60+ agencies, and 20+ stakeholder committees, ensuring the city hosted the largest LGBTQ+ event in its history with safety, accessibility, and excellence at the forefront.
Destination DC elevated Washington’s global presence through marketing and visitor experience expertise, while Events DC provided strategic infrastructure support. The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs led coordination, funding, and culturally competent implementation. DC Health delivered visible, accessible health resources and wellness services, and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities ensured creativity and artistic expression were woven throughout the celebration.
Additional contributions from District agencies, philanthropic organizations, and private funders supported both the festival and the LGBTQ+ community’s visibility, resilience, and joy. This interagency partnership exemplifies the impact of government, cultural institutions, and community working together, delivering a Pride that was historic, inclusive, and safe.
Special thanks to DC Government staff and volunteers, including: Trang Nguyen, Daniel Penchina, Mike Silverstein, Charity Blackwell, Jim Kline, Remmington Belford, DeMarcus Kinkle, Angela Stepancic, Terrence Ford, Tariq Ambrose, Michael Haresign, Jo Chapman, Salvador Sauceda-Guzman, Aaron Wade, Jordyn White, Gary Thompson, Ben DeGuzman, Kimberly Bassett, Mark Agosto, Natasha Dupee, Natalie Snider, Paul Smedberg, Lawrence Hamm, Tyler Cargil, Vida Rangel, Ciana Creighton, Sharon Hunt, Stephanie Battaglia, Nicholas Northington, Eduardo Perdomo, Anthony Andrews, Jocelyn Harris, Kari Cooke, Amber Hewitt, Chris Dyer, Darryl Wise, Dominique Scott, Tomas Talamante, Tanya Mitchell, Clint Osborn, Pamela Smith, Tamika Gittens, Sybongile Cook, Jennifer Porter, Shoteria Pearson, Salima Khalid, Karen Quinones, John Coombs, Alexis Squire, Carl Amritt, Javier Sanchez, Jason Bagshaw, Jackie Reyes, Lamont Carey, Alex Cross, Zachary Smith, Kim Vacca, Adalphie Johnson, David Quick, Ryan Williams, Monique Davis-Cary, LaToya Foster, Mike Jones, Kai Shanklin, Richard Livingstone, James Bassett, Pedro Mojica, Indya Wright, Marian Hancock, Tanzi Barbour-West, Tia Minor, Karrie Leonard, Faith Mitchell, Jasmine Savoy, Pedro Mojica, Brian Pearsall
ACCESSIBILITY + INCLUSION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
Disability is an integral part of LGBTQ+ identity, and Washington, DC—home to one of the nation’s largest Deaf, Deafblind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard of Hearing populations—has long been a hub for disability advocacy. With over 200 local nonprofits serving people with disabilities, DC was uniquely positioned to host inclusive and empowering programming.
For WorldPride DC, the Capital Pride Alliance prioritized universal accessibility across all events. Spaces and experiences were intentionally designed to meet diverse needs, from venue layouts to food offerings. ASL interpreters were provided at marquee events, captions were integrated into all video content, and the Capitol Concert Stage and International Rally + March for Freedom featured prominently displayed captions. Digital access was ensured through image descriptions and alt-text in print and electronic materials.
Physical accessibility was also central: venues were selected for accessible facilities, and larger portable restrooms were provided on-site. A detailed accessibility checklist guided planning, while a dedicated team of experts collaborated from the earliest stages through execution to ensure all community needs were met.
This comprehensive approach reflected the commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that every attendee could fully participate in WorldPride DC’s celebrations.
SAFETY + SECURITY
Pulling off an event of WorldPride DC’s scale is challenging in any city, and Washington, DC, faced added scrutiny due to political sensitivities and global attention. Ensuring participant safety required exceptional coordination, vigilance, and foresight to keep events running smoothly while fostering a sense of protection for all attendees.
Given the current political climate, organizers prioritized safety like never before. The festival grounds were fully enclosed, featuring state-of-the-art weapon detection technology and a robust security presence developed in close coordination with the DC Metropolitan Police Department, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and other municipal agencies. Comprehensive health and safety protocols ensured a secure environment for all attendees.
The District is experienced in hosting high-profile, sensitive events, and organizers leveraged this expertise to prioritize safety. With full support from Mayor Bowser’s office, the Mayor’s Special Event Task Group implemented comprehensive protocols comparable to those used for presidential inaugurations.
The DC Metropolitan Police Department, including its LGBTQ+ Liaison Unit, collaborated with local agencies such as DC Fire and EMS and the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA). Emergency communications were enhanced through NIXLE, a free service delivering real-time weather, safety, and emergency alerts to users via SMS, apps, and email.
Though violent crime in DC had decreased by 35 percent, organizers implemented robust, multi-layered security measures. These included pre-event digital surveillance, open-source threat monitoring, on-site private security and police, advanced and basic life support stations, roving medic teams, aerial surveillance, and anti-scaling systems and barricades where appropriate.
This comprehensive approach ensured that every visitor could participate safely, allowing WorldPride DC to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture with confidence, security, and peace of mind.
SUSTAINABILITY
WorldPride DC leveraged its global platform to showcase sustainability and reduce environmental impact, aligning with DC’s goal to cut plastic waste by 80 percent by 2032. Organizers provided guidance to vendors, exhibitors, and participants, encouraging greener choices, reducing waste, and promoting innovative alternatives to resource-intensive practices.
Single-use plastics—including bags, straws, Styrofoam, balloons, beads, and individually wrapped items—were prohibited, replaced with recyclable and compostable materials. Water refill stations were available, and aluminum keepsake cups were reusable across all CPA beverage gardens. Vendors were also encouraged to source locally, supporting regional businesses and minimizing shipping impacts.
These practical steps demonstrated creativity, accountability, and environmental leadership, turning sustainability into an integral part of WorldPride DC’s celebrations.
FOOD WASTE
Through WorldPride DC, Food Rescue U.S. DC recovered 5,735 lbs of surplus food and drinks, providing meals to those facing food insecurity while feeding volunteers at CPA HQ. By redistributing rather than discarding this food, the initiative prevented 19,026 lbs of CO2 emissions and saved 68,350 gallons of water. Participation also increased visibility, strengthened partnerships, and expanded engagement with the LGBTQ+ community.
TRANSPORTATION
WorldPride DC moved 1.2 million people across the city through unprecedented coordination among WMATA, DDOT, goDCgo, Uber, Lyft, Capital Bikeshare, and other micromobility partners. Metro extended hours, increased service, wrapped trains and buses in Pride branding, and rerouted routes to manage closures, resulting in an 11.4 percent increase in rail ridership over the last weekend compared to 2024. DDOT and goDCgo provided real-time maps and multimodal planning tools, while Capital Bikeshare deployed Pride-themed bikes with valet service, and Lime added wrapped scooters and e-bikes. Uber and Lyft expanded coverage for late-night and high-demand zones. These coordinated efforts transformed transportation into part of the celebration, reducing gridlock, improving accessibility, and keeping crowds moving safely and sustainably.
THANKS TO OUR VALUED ADVOCATES
ALEXANDER CPA DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
On behalf of the staff, Board of Directors, and our team of dedicated volunteers, I extend a very warm thank you to all of our proud WorldPride DC Advocates (major companies and organizations) who provided crucial financial and in-kind support in such a critical and challenging year.
Our Pride Advocates are true allies in our fight for justice. They help amplify the voices and visibility of our incredible LGBTQ+ community. As a small nonprofit organization, we thrive because our Pride Advocates help us create safe and accessible events for everyone.
Celebration is resistance. Amid anger, fear, and exhaustion, Pride remains a powerful protest of joy and celebration. Dancing in the streets, waving flags, gathering proudly—all of this defies those who prefer LGBTQ+ people to be silent, invisible, or erased. Pride reminds us that our existence is powerful. Thank you to our Pride Advocates for helping us continue our mission in strength and solidarity.
PROUD PRESIDENTIAL ADVOCATE
VISIONARY VICE-PRESIDENTIAL ADVOCATES
DESTINATION PARTNER ADVOCATES
PREMIERE ADVOCACY CHAMPION
MIKE
ADVOCATES
RAINBOW
Corona Premier
Delta Airlines
Fresca Mixed
Kaiser Permanente
La Crema Wines
Visit New Orleans
VIDA Fitness
Wegmans
#FREEDOMWINS PLATINUM
Freedom Forum
#LOVEWINS PLATINUM
Amazon
Casamigos
Jose Andres Group
OUT.com/Advocate.com
Pepco – an Exelon Company
VACAYA
LEGACY HEALTH
Whitman-Walker Health VIEW
TRUE COLORS GOLD
AARP
Airbus
AstraZeneca
CareFirst
Design Army
DPR Construction
The Florida Keys & Key West/Gay Key West
Four Seasons Hotel – Washington, DC
IKEA
JP Morgan Chase
LIDL
Lime
Linder Global Events
Starbucks
MEDIA
CBS
Metro Weekly
Passport Magazine
Radio One
Revry
Washington Blade WPGC – 95.5 FM
SPECIAL THANK YOU
ABC 7
AQUA/QTAPI
ARLINGTON SPORTS
ATLANTIC STATES GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION
CENTER FOR BLACK EQUITY
DARYL WILSON PRODUCTIONS
DC BLACK PRIDE
DC FRONTRUNNERS
DC LATINX HISTORY PROJECT
DC’S DIFFERENT DRUMMERS
DC CENTRAL KITCHEN
DESIGN ARMY
DESTINATION DC
DOWNTOWN DC BID
EVENTS DC
EMBASSY OF SWEDEN
FIRST WATCH EVENTS
FLOWER FACTORY
FRIENDS OF STEAD PARK
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON, DC
GLOW
HP EVENTS
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN
HUMANS OF PRIDE
INTERPRIDE
JAKE RESNICOW PRODUCTIONS
JOY RIOT
KINETIC PRESENTS
LRA PR
LINDER GLOBAL EVENTS
LIVE NATION
LOST GENERATION BREWERY
LUCKY BREAK PR
MARCH FOR ALL
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AFFAIRS
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF WOMEN’S POLICY AND INITIATIVES
DC COMMISSION ON THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
DC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
DC HEALTH
DC’S OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DC’S OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF DEAF DEAFBLIND AND HARD OF HEARING
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF LGBTQ AFFAIRS
MAYOR’S SPECIAL EVENT TASK GROUP
METRO WEEKLY
METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORT AUTHORITY
MEXICAN CULTURAL INSTITUTE
MILITARY PRIDE (MODERN MILITARY)
MLK MEMORIAL LIBRARY
NATIONAL TRANS VISIBILITY MARCH
NATIONALS PARK
OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MAYOR FOR PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
OUTRIGHT INTERNATIONAL
PARTY WITH HONEY
SANDLOT DC
SEABURY RESOURCES
SERVEDC
SMYAL
SPACES OF PRIDE
STRATUS FIRM
SWEET SPOT
ST. LUKES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
TEAM DC
TEAM RAYCEEN
THE BRAND GUILD
THE CHERRY FUND
THE GILBERT BAKER FOUNDATION
THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL
THE RUBELL MUSEUM
THE WHARF
TRANS COALITION
TRANS PRIDE WASHINGTON DC
WILD SIDE MEDIA
WHITMAN WALKER HEALTH
VRS MEETINGS AND EVENTS
AND A HOST OF VENUES, BUSINESSES, AND ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE CITY BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY!
BEYOND WORLD PRIDE 2025
JUNE CRENSHAW CPA DEPUTY DIRECTOR
WorldPride in DC was a historic moment—not just for our city, but for LGBTQ+ people around the globe. The energy, unity, and visibility we achieved together proved the strength of our community and the power of the Diversity of Prides initiative, which brought voices from every corner of our movement to the table. But WorldPride was not an endpoint. It was a beginning.
The state of the union for LGBTQ+ folks reminds us that progress is not guaranteed. Rising attacks on our rights, threats to our Trans and nonbinary siblings, and the ongoing challenges faced by Queer youth and elders underscore the urgency of our work. The Capital Pride Alliance has a responsibility to stand as a pillar for our community—offering not only celebration, but also advocacy, education, and most importantly, solidarity. It is in our unity that we find our strength.
What’s next for CPA is to build on the legacy of WorldPride by deepening partnerships, strengthening year-round programming, and creating spaces where all LGBTQIA2S+ people feel seen, valued, and safe. We will continue to amplify diverse voices, invest in local leaders, and harness the global momentum of WorldPride to ensure equity and justice remain at the heart of our movement. Our work is far from finished—it is just entering its next chapter, and we need you with us.
THE PRIDE365 FUND
Established in 2021, the Pride365 Fund is the Capital Pride Alliance’s answer to the ever-increasing need for financial support amongst LGBTQ+ organizations in the National Capital Region. Nearly 15 percent of residents in the nation’s capital identify as LGBTQ+, yet local LGBTQ+ organizations often lack equitable access to taxpayerfunded initiatives, government and private grants, and other important opportunities that enable nonprofit organizations to provide critical services to their fullest extent.
Facilitated by Capital Pride Alliance, the Fund awards financial resources to 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year, including the newly opened LGBTQ+ Community Center. Located at 1827 Wiltberger St, NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC, the LGBTQ+ Community Center creates a safe, inclusive, and affirming space where all members of the community can thrive, and includes organizations such as the Wanda Alston Foundation, SMYAL, and the Capital Pride Alliance.
BECOME A FUNDRAISING PARTNER
Nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individuals can become a fundraising partner to help raise money for the LGBTQ+ community through the Pride365 Fund. Go to pride365.org/fund, select “GivePride365 fundraising page” then select “I Want To Fundraise For This,“ and choose to fundraise as an individual or an organization (team). Once your fundraising page is created, share it through your social media platforms, email lists, and word-of mouth.
APPLY TO THE FUND
For an organization to be eligible for Pride365 funding, their primary mission must be to serve the local LGBTQ+ community. Participants must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization or have a fiscal agent that is. The grant cycle begins in October of each year, with awards announced on #GivingTuesday.
DONATE TO THE FUND
We believe that Pride is more than any single event, it’s a commitment that we make 365 days a year. Contributions to the Pride365 Fund help to provide direct financial support to local community organizations for programs that celebrate and enrich lives of members of the LGBTQ+ community; expand access to programs, events, and activities to ensure inclusivity; and promote events and programs that provide visibility and elevate the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Donate now at pride365.org/fund. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law.
SOURCE MATERIALS + CREDITS
REPORTS
1.
WEBSITES
1.
2.
3. PRIDE365.ORG/FUND
4. THE WASHINGTON POST: QUOTES FROM: JOY, TENSION COLLIDE AS WORLDPRIDE ARRIVES IN TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AND WORLDPRIDE PARADE MARCHES THROUGH D.C.
5. MSNBC.COM
6. WASHINGTONBLADE.COM
7. THEHILL.COM
8.
PHOTOGRAPHY
EMILY ALFF
ELVERT BARNES
T DRAYTON
IDRIS EVANS
ROBIN FADER
JEFFREY FENG
DIMA GILMOUR
JASON GOOLJAR
RENON GUTTSU
WILLIAM LEUCHT
YURI LEE
GEOFF LIVINGSTON
PATRICK MAGEE
MARK MAHON
LAURA MARCHETTI
YULIA FERNANDEZ MARCOS
CHRISTINA MERTZ
OWEN MCCULLUM
ANDREW NASONOV
ANNABELLE PAPKE
CHANTIS PARKS
TONY PIER
LACEY RAHMANI
JUDY SCHLOSS
BELINDA SHAO
JOE SIRAKAS
OLIVIA THOMAS
LAUREN VICTOR
B WELDON
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
WORLD PRIDE IS LICENSED BY INTERPRIDE.
This report is presented by the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs and the Capital Pride Alliance. We thank all stakeholders, including artists, celebration participants, CPA’s staff and Board, our partners at Diversity of Prides, all volunteers and sponsors, and the broader community for their involvement in WorldPride DC. We also thank Destination DC, Events DC, Linder Global Events, Design Army, Linda Roth PR, Joy Riot, and Lucky Break for their contributions to this Impact Report.
