Gray sky and Drizzle gave way to sunshine, multicolored flags and festivities as the country’s capital held the WorldPride Parade on Saturday (June 7).
Tens of thousands of people attended parades and other celebrations, contrary to what activists say is an unprecedented attack on the LGBTQ+ community that challenges the rights that many have fought for over the years.
A rainbow flagged the length of three football fields flowed through the streets, carried by 500 members of gay men’s choir in Washington, DC, to kick the parade. Behind them, people waved proud of flags and flags representing the transient, asexuals and bisexual communities from the top of a bus.
Singer-songwriter and actor Reneé Rapp Lo and blowing kisses from behind by a pickup killed with a trans-fun flag, while the lavers cox, a transsexual actor and activist known for his role in Netflix’s Orange is the new blackwaved from an open convertible.
“Pride means we are looking at each other, no matter what,” she declared the crowd as the convertible rolled to a stop. “We know how to be there for each other.”
Many LGBTQ+ travelers have expressed concern or decided to skip WorldPride due to the anxiety of security, border policies and a hostile political climate that they say belongs to another time. But it did not keep international travelers and other participants away, with groups visible from Iran, Namibia, Kenya and Russia.
Along the parade route, hundreds outside the National City Christian Church as a Rainbow flag and balloons lined lined with the steps and columns. A child with Rainbow Face Paint blew bubbles at the bottom of the steps, while Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” Blared from speakers.
“DC is already one of the largest cities in the country to celebrate pride,” said Cheo White, 33, from Annapolis, Maryland, “but we are all more united and show up more because of what is happening in the White House.”
Many have said that the collection has taken on a new meaning in the middle of the Trump administration’s aggressive policies against the protection of transient Americans and diversity, justice and inclusion programs.
White’s partner, Nick Kerver, 26, who was visiting Toledo, Ohio, said Pride has “always been a political tool”, but has taken more significance this year in the midst of rising threats to the LGBTQ+ community, especially transcends and non -binary Americans.
“It feels more important than ever,” Kerver said, having a rainbow hat, sunglasses and a t-shirt. “But we also have to get involved in our local communities.”
David Begler, a 58-year-old gay man from Philadelphia, expressed disappointment that many international travelers felt insecure to visit DC for WorldPride, but said he appreciates his presence in the city during this political climate.
“It’s the perfect time to have WorldPride in DC,” Begler said. “We need it right now. I want us to send a message to the White House to focus on lifting each other instead of sharing.”
Stay Deroux, 36, usually plans a day trip to DC Pride from his home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. But this year, she and her wife, Deenie Deroux, planned a whole weekend. “This is a really big year,” Stay Deroux said. “There has been a lot of turmoil. So it’s a great thing to be among allies, among people who love because we’ve experienced so much hatred on a daily basis.”
For the day, the idea of threats and opposition took a back seat for the celebration. Streets were closed, but filled with floats, and improvised parties broke out with music and food in the streets adjacent to the paradre. Cynthia Erivo was set to appear on the Capitol Stag after the parade.
Johnny Cervantes Jr., dressed in a black suit and top hat, headed for a stand in a float with church theme to marry his 28-year-old partner, Freddie Lutz, owner of Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant in Arlington, Virginia.
Events culminate on Sunday with a demonstration and Protest Marsch and a gigantic street party and concert (overwritten by Doechii) covering a multi -block Pennsylvania Avenue.
“This is WorldPride in the world’s best city,” declared Mayor Muriel Bowser as she went the parade hand in hand with her daughter, Miranda.