WorldPride 2025 wrapped up in Washington, D.C. this past weekend with a celebration that was equal parts glitter and grit, culminating in a powerful show of political resistance against rising transphobia and rollbacks of LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States.
While Saturday’s parade turned the streets of the U.S. capital into a vibrant sea of rainbow joy, Sunday’s events at the Lincoln Memorial took on a more solemn tone. Under grey skies and persistent rain, thousands gathered for the International March on Washington for Freedom — a rally marked by resolve, mourning, and an urgent call to action.
🌈 “This Is a Rally for Our Lives”
“This is not just a party,” declared Ashley Smith, board president of Capital Pride Alliance. “This is a rally for our lives.”
The sentiment underscored the unique tone of this year’s WorldPride, held under the looming shadow of Donald Trump’s second term. Amid a hostile political climate, organisers even issued a travel advisory for international attendees in the lead-up to the event.
Attendance was visibly down from previous years, with many global visitors opting to stay home due to safety concerns.
“That should disturb us and mobilise us,” Smith added.
🪧 “Ban Bombs, Not Bathrooms”
Marchers bore defiant signs reading “Ban bombs, not bathrooms” and “We will not be erased” in protest against what has widely been condemned as a campaign to strip away transgender rights.
Since returning to office, Trump’s administration has advanced a raft of policies targeting trans communities, including:
- The revocation of federal gender identity recognition
- Bans on gender-affirming care for minors
- Attempts to restrict drag performances
- The exclusion of trans athletes from sports
- Orders for all trans military personnel to resign
- A new visa requirement forcing applicants to list sex assigned at birth
“Trans people just want to be loved. Everybody wants to live their own lives and I don’t understand the problem with it all,” said one rally-goer.
🔒 Safety Measures and Rising Threats
Security at WorldPride was heightened due to threats from extremist groups, including the Proud Boys. In response, organisers implemented fencing, surveillance, and a full health and medical response team.
Despite initial fears, only a few incidents were reported — including the vandalism of a queer bar. But the threat was tangible enough to keep many attendees cautious.
Still, the turnout on Saturday was massive, with tens of thousands braving the rain, waving flags, and celebrating their identities. The night concluded with star-studded after-parties featuring performances from Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Rita Ora, and more.
💬 “The Protest Is Why We Can Party”
Many said it was Sunday’s protest that captured the real meaning of Pride.
“You can party all you want but at the end of the day, the protest is why we can party,” one marcher told reporters.
The dual nature of the weekend — celebration and confrontation — reflected the complexity of this year’s Pride: joy tempered by resistance, community strengthened by shared struggle.
Unrest in Los Angeles
Meanwhile, 4,000 kilometres away, chaos erupted in Los Angeles, where thousands took to the streets in protest against a federal immigration crackdown. Trump sparked nationwide outrage by deploying the National Guard to respond, intensifying criticism of his increasingly authoritarian stance.
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