With the presidential election over, WorldPride pushes forward in D.C.
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Capital Pride Parade will expand for WorldPride. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
D.C. is gearing up for WorldPride, next year's massive LGBTQ+ celebration (May 17-June 8) that's expected to bring over 3 million revelers and activists to town.
The big picture: The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) and global partner Interpride waited until after the presidential election to pick and announce their theme: "The Fabric of Freedom."
- "At a time of division, when the LGBTQ+ community finds itself threatened both in the U.S. and around the world, the fabric of the flag symbolizes the strength of the community, the shared humanity, and the unshakeable unity that defines resilience, love, and acceptance," says CPA in a statement.
Why it matters: More than just a tagline, the theme of unity and a global call to action is WorldPride's driving force in the new Trump era.
Yes, but: CPA leaders are determined to stick true to their vision for the event, which has been over two years in the making.
What they're saying: "I think that [the Trump administration] will have some impact, yes, but we are not going to allow it to stop us from what it is that we've been working on," CPA board president Ashley Smith told NBC4.
- "We always knew that there would be an impact of whoever's in the White House, but this event is not for, per se, that space. This event is on a world stage really celebrating our pride."
Zoom in: The three-week festival — which includes Black Pride and Trans Pride celebrations — is stacked. Pop star Shakira, a gay rights advocate, will perform a huge Welcome Concert at Nats Park on May 31. Other major gatherings include:
- Capital Cup sports festival (May 28-June 4), which will unite LGBTQ+ athletes and leagues.
- WorldPride Music Festival (June 6-7) at RFK Festival Grounds, featuring three stages and artists in multiple genres.
- The WorldPride Parade (June 7), a massive procession starting in Logan Circle and leading downtown, where the free WorldPride Street Festival and Concert will extend over two days (June 7-8) with hundreds of exhibits and artisans, food and drink gardens.
- Rally and March (June 8), which will feature renowned global LGBTQ+ activists and leaders. That's followed by the Closing Ceremony, featuring entertainment and performances.
Between the lines: The organizers are emphasizing that safety is a major priority, and the city is preparing for a massive influx of visitors.
- Metro, for instance, is hoping to launch a speedier tap-and-pay system before WorldPride.