Washington, D.C. transformed into a dynamic canvas of pride and solidarity as it played host to the WorldPride Parade, marking the 50th anniversary of Pride in the U.S. capital, uniting LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from around the world in a jubilant show of resilience, diversity and community.
A Dazzling Display of Solidarity
Kicking off at 2 p.m. from 14th and T Streets NW, the parade wound through the city, ending near the iconic National Mall. The route was alive with energy, featuring over 300 performers, community organisations and cheerleaders. A striking 1,000-foot-long rainbow flag flowed through the streets—a vivid emblem of LGBTQ+ pride and inclusiveness.
Among the parade’s grand marshals were Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox, singer and actress Reneé Rapp, and Deacon Maccubbin, the trailblazer behind D.C.’s inaugural Pride event in 1975. Their participation highlighted both the historic and ongoing journey of the LGBTQ+ movement.
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A Capital City in Full Celebration
Beyond the parade, the weekend was filled with events celebrating queer culture and visibility. The WorldPride Music Festival at RFK Stadium drew massive crowds with standout performances by international pop icons Troye Sivan and Kim Petras. Another highlight was the first-ever WorldPride Boat Parade at The Wharf, where festively adorned boats paraded across the waterfront, adding a nautical twist to the celebrations.
Adding a heartfelt and personal touch, drag star Sasha Colby officiated surprise weddings, turning love into a centrepiece of the festivities. These spontaneous ceremonies captured the spirit of Pride as both a public celebration and a personal milestone.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The celebratory spirit was tinged with reminders of the ongoing struggles facing the LGBTQ+ community. Political tensions lingered, driven by recent rollbacks in LGBTQ+ rights across parts of the country. A controversial decision to temporarily close Dupont Circle Park—a landmark of queer history—triggered backlash. Following vocal community advocacy, the space was reopened in time for the parade, underscoring the power of collective action.
A Pride for the Ages
WorldPride 2025 was not just a commemoration of five decades of Pride in Washington, D.C., but a powerful affirmation of ongoing resistance, joy, and visibility. The events served as a tribute to past progress and a forward-looking call for continued inclusion and equality.
As the rainbow flags waved high and music echoed through the streets, WorldPride in D.C. left a lasting mark—both a memory and a movement.
