Thousands of LGBTQIA+ people and allies from across the globe flocked to Washington, D.C. for WorldPride 2025 — a nine-day global celebration of queerness, resilience, and community.
Despite a politically tense climate, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration and its escalating anti-trans rhetoric, WorldPride unfolded as a defiant and dazzling demonstration of queer pride. Travel advisories were issued by InterPride for trans and nonbinary attendees, and even D.C.’s iconic Dupont Circle was temporarily fenced off by the U.S. Park Service — a move later reversed after strong backlash.
From rainbow flags draping government buildings to grassroots festivals lighting up the streets, the U.S. capital transformed into a glittering stage of love and solidarity.
Celebration, Setbacks, and Spectacle
Though the launch concert featuring Shakira was cancelled just 48 hours before kickoff, the city’s streets filled with music, particularly from events like the International Choral Festival and Capital Cup Sports Festival, which showcased inclusive athleticism and community spirit.
The WorldPride Film Festival provided a window into queer lives past and present, featuring a range of works, from historical shorts like DC Gay Pride 1978 to global premieres like Humans of Pride (2025).
A major political highlight was the three-day Human Rights Conference, bringing together over 800 delegates. Speakers such as Jessica Stern, Spanish Senator Carla Antonelli, and Peruvian Congresswoman Susel Paredes delivered impassioned calls to protect and advance LGBTQIA+ rights worldwide.
Parades, Performances, and Power
The celebrations exploded into colour on Friday, with events like Pride on the Pier (extended to two days) and the iconic WorldPride Boat Parade. The weekend’s musical highlight, the WorldPride Music Festival: Global Dance Party, brought out global icons including Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Kim Petras, Reneé Rapp, and RuPaul.
Events like “Full Bloom” and “Woven Together” spotlighted the vibrancy of East Coast queer nightlife and the Black LGBTQ community respectively. Saturday’s Street Festival and record-breaking Pride Parade featured over 300 contingents and 40,000 marchers, led by a 1,000-foot rainbow flag and Grand Marshals Laverne Cox and Reneé Rapp.
A heart-warming moment came when local legend Freddie Lutz married his partner, Johnny Cervantes, on a float mid-parade, 28 years in the making.
Capping Off With Unity
Sunday saw the emotionally charged Rally + March on Washington for Freedom at the Lincoln Memorial. Despite the rain, speakers including Indigenous activist Dee Crank, HRC’s Ashley Smith, comedian Mimi Gonzalez, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Mrs. Kasha Davis inspired the crowd with calls to action.
“Queerness is about more than rights — it’s about liberation,” said Henry Hicks, a journalist attending Full Bloom. “Community is our power.”
That power echoed through the final notes of the WorldPride Closing Concert. Khalid, Brooke Eden, and Doechii delivered show-stopping performances under clearing skies and rainbow lights. “I want to party!” Doechii shouted, summing up the spirit of the week: fierce, joyful, and united.
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