Organisers of Arlington Pride have officially cancelled the city’s 2026 Pride Parade following a contentious decision by the Arlington City Council to uphold the suspension of local LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination protections.
The June event, which drew over 15,000 attendees in 2025 and has been a major celebration since its debut in 2021, has now been shelved due to growing safety and equity concerns.
In a public statement, DeeJay Johannessen, CEO of the Help Centre, expressed deep concern over holding the event without the backing of local legal safeguards.
“We cannot in good conscience invite attendees to an event in a city that refuses to provide even the most basic protections,” Johannessen said.
“Pride is about safety, celebration, and community. Without local anti-discrimination safeguards, we cannot guarantee those values for our attendees, performers, or partners.”
The move follows the Arlington City Council’s narrow 5-4 vote in December against reinstating an ordinance that once protected residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. That ordinance was initially passed unanimously in 2021, inspired by national calls for justice following the death of George Floyd.
Protections Suspended Under Federal Pressure
The protections were first suspended in September 2025, reportedly due to pressure from the Trump administration. A recent executive order from former President Donald Trump sought to define gender strictly as male or female, sparking fears that cities like Arlington could lose substantial federal funding by defying the order.
City Manager Trey Yelverton confirmed Arlington receives around $65 million in federal grants. These funds support key services, including housing assistance, emergency responders, and public transport initiatives.
Although alternatives were proposed—such as modifying the ordinance to retain funding while offering partial protections—those compromises were ultimately abandoned.
With the ordinance suspended, discrimination complaints from LGBTQ+ residents—whether involving landlords, businesses, or employers—will no longer be investigated by the city.
Community Divided on Parade Cancellation
While many have supported Arlington Pride’s decision, citing valid safety concerns, others have voiced frustration, suggesting the cancellation symbolises retreat.
One social media commenter wrote: “The first pride was a riot. I understand the sentiment, but don’t you think now more than ever we should host a louder, more exuberant pride?”
Another bluntly stated: “You are letting them win.”
City Promises Inclusion – Without Legal Backing
Despite voting to reinstate protections, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross acknowledged the community’s frustration and pledged ongoing dialogue.
“The City of Arlington remains committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable community for all residents and ensuring that no one individual faces discrimination,” Ross said.
“I pledge to each and every one of y’all that we will continue to collaborate with community leaders, council members, and city staff to reach a solution that is palatable to all.”
Still, with protections absent and safety uncertain, organisers say they cannot guarantee a secure space for LGBTQ+ community members, allies, and performers at Pride 2026.
