Washington (AP) – World Pride 2025 in the nation’s capital concluded on a somber note after the vibrant celebrations of Saturday’s parade. More than a thousand participants convened at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday morning beneath grey skies for a rally that served as a precursor to a protest march focused on the LGBTQ+ community's struggles under President Donald Trump’s anticipated second administration.
Ashley Smith, board president of Capital Pride Alliance, emphasized the seriousness of the event, stating, “This is not just a party. This is a rally for our lives.” Attendees expressed concerns about the visibly diminished international turnout for the bi-annual event, which some attributed to fears of harassment or opposition to Trump’s policies that discourage visits to the U.S.
Smith declared, “That should disturb us and mobilize us,” as supporters cheered on LGBTQ+ activists while waving a variety of flags, including traditional Pride flags as well as those representing transgender, bisexual, intersex, and other communities. Participants adorned themselves with rainbow glitter and held signs with messages such as “Fight back,” “Gay is good,” “Ban bombs not bathrooms,” and “We will not be erased.”
Trump's administration has fostered an atmosphere of anxiety within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly due to his campaign against transgender protections and antagonism toward drag shows. Tyler Cargill, dressed in an elaborate costume featuring a replica of the U.S. Capitol building, stated, “Trans people just want to be loved. Everybody wants to live their own lives and I don’t understand the problem with it all.”
Wes Kincaid, who traveled approximately six hours from Charlotte, North Carolina, underscored the importance of attending this year’s event, noting, “It’s more important than ever to show up for our community.”
The rally also highlighted the impact of federal budget cuts, as attendees displayed various signs and flags representing programs facing reductions, including the PBS logo. Concerns about violence were palpable, given Trump’s anti-trans rhetoric and past threats from right-wing groups such as the Proud Boys to disrupt World Pride festivities. This heightened security awareness led organizers to erect fencing around the entire street party area on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Despite fears, the anticipated acts of aggression during the event were limited. The police reported two violent incidents near Dupont Circle, resulting in two juveniles being stabbed and a man shot in the foot; however, it remains unclear if these incidents were directly related to the World Pride events.
A cold rain began falling around noon as rally speakers began to wind down their messages in preparation for the march. Some attendees departed while others took shelter under umbrellas and ponchos. One speaker declared, “Rain will not stop us, and after rain comes rainbows.”
The criticism from the rally wasn’t restricted to the Trump administration or the Republican Party; some speakers also pointed fingers at Democratic politicians for failing to adequately support the LGBTQ+ movement. Tyler Hack of the Christopher Street Project remarked, “We have to call out people who have abandoned our movement,” urging that being a Democrat should include “unapologetic support for the trans community.”
