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Big Pride parade in Washington: A celebration of diversity despite fears!
Thousands celebrated WorldPride 2025 in Washington D.C., despite fears about the political situation under Trump.
Big Pride parade in Washington: A celebration of diversity despite fears!
On June 7, 2025, the event took place in Washington, D.C. the annual Pride parade, which celebrates the LGBTQI+ community and advocates for their rights. The parade marks the 50th anniversary of Pride events in the US capital and is part of the international “WorldPride” festivities. Every year this event attracts thousands of participants who dance, sing and celebrate in colorful costumes. The participants included dancers, drummers, singers and brass musicians, as well as groups of different nationalities and employers. A large fire brigade turntable ladder truck decorated with rainbow flags attracted particular attention.
The celebrations in Washington have already begun with a welcome concert featuring international pop icon Shakira at Nationals Stadium and opened the gates to a variety of LGBTQI+ events, including local events such as Trans Pride. Hundreds of additional rallies, seminars, parties and events, including Black Pride and Latin Pride, are planned over the next three weeks. The celebrations culminate in a two-day final festival.
History and present
World Pride traditionally attracts over a million visitors from across the LGBTQI+ community. Despite these high numbers of participants, there is also noticeable pressure and fear this year, which is exacerbated by the political circumstances in the USA under President Donald Trump. Some community members expressed particular concern about potential difficulties for trans and non-binary people at U.S. border controls. Chris Parker, a D.C. council member, stressed the importance of visibility and presence in a potentially hostile environment.
Some participants wore T-shirts with the slogan "Make America Gay Again," a reference to Trump's MAGA slogan, to express their protest against the current administration. Participants expressed concerns about the impact of Trump administration policies that, among other things, restrict transgender rights. This even led to the Kennedy Center canceling plans to host the International Pride Orchestra.
Preview of the future
The mood is mixed and while the parade reflects many colors and joy of life, uncertainty remains about attendance from abroad. Many international participants have decided to avoid the celebrations this year out of fear of harassment or as a boycott against Trump's policies. However, the organizers are counting on strong domestic participation to compensate for possible declines in international visitors.
Amsterdam is being prepared as a host city for the next World Pride next year. Despite the challenges presented by the current political landscape, the Pride parade in Washington D.C. the unbroken solidarity and determination of the LGBTQI+ community to stand up for their rights.
Numerous other events took place around the parade, and a large demonstration for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community is planned for Sunday. Washington D.C. welcomes the world with open arms, symbolized by the colorful rainbow flags and the rainbow-colored metro buses that carry the slogan “Proud to welcome the world.”
However, the current situation shows that despite the celebrations, there is still a lot of work ahead of us to create an inclusive and safe environment for everyone.