WorldPride Just Landed in D.C.—and It’s Historic

WorldPride Just Landed in D.C.—and It’s Historic

This isn’t just any Pride—this year, the world is watching Washington.

For the first time ever, the U.S. is hosting WorldPride, and it’s happening in D.C. during the 50th anniversary of Pride in the capital. What started as a one-day block party in 1975 is now expected to bring over 3 million people to the District for more than three full weeks of celebration, protest, and community.

The theme? The Fabric of Freedom—a powerful reminder of the LGBTQ+ movement’s roots in struggle, joy, and resistance. And it hits at a crucial time. Republicans’ anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is rising in the U.S., especially targeting trans people.

Hosting WorldPride in D.C.—in the shadow of the Capitol—makes this year’s celebration more than just historic. It’s defiant.

And also? It’s going to be incredible. J.Lo, Troye Sivan, and Kim Petras are taking over the two-night music festival. There’s a massive parade, a queer film fest, a city-wide theater takeover, rooftop parties, late-night raves—and, perhaps most importantly an international march on Washington.

Whether you're showing up in D.C. or celebrating from afar, this Pride is one for the history books.

👉 Here’s your guide to WorldPride, from our friends at Fagabond

👉 A long list of questions about WorldPride, answered by the Washington Post

👉 10 unforgettable events you won’t want to miss

WorldPride is only just beginning, but the weekend has already brought both celebration and heartbreak. Shakira abruptly pulled out of her planned opening night concert at Nationals Park, citing “production issues”—a surprise change to what was supposed to be a major kickoff moment.

More seriously, D.C. police are investigating a suspected hate crime at Sinners & Saints, a popular D.C. venue known for centering queer and trans people of color. The bar posted details on their Instagram page. More details are still emerging, but the incident has sparked outrage, fear, and resilience — serving as a stark reminder that even during Pride, our communities are still targeted. As celebrations continue, safety and solidarity remain top of mind.

🗞️ Travel News for Gays on the Go

What’s worth knowing in queer travel this week — from major headlines to the best finds worth your clicks.

• The FBI told employees not to celebrate Pride in an official capacity or on bureau time

• Trump promised “NO MORE DRAG SHOWS” at the Kennedy Center. Their new season is full of drag

• Republican support for equal marriage has fallen to its lowest level for almost a decade

• Target's pathetic 2025 Pride collection has arrived

• Meanwhile Levi’s released its 2025 Pride collection—after refusing to roll back DEI initiatives

• Regardless of corporate retreat from Pride, queer businesses are still here for LGBTQ+ communities

• Florida Republicans continue attacking family-friendly drag shows

• Can’t win: a Trans man says he was detained after using a women's restroom in South Carolina

• J.K. Rowling is using her Harry Potter wealth to fund an anti-transgender organization

• All this to say: this year, WorldPride in the nation’s capital is a protest ✊

• London Trans+ Pride is returning for 2025 at a critical moment for the community

• An immigration judge dismissed the asylum case of the Gay Venezuelan man deported to a supermax prison

• A Tennessee high school student was banned from graduation after coming out on social media—and she’s suing her school

• Subscribe to our favorite newsletter for independent news: the must-read news brief for progressives
  

  NOTICE NewsNews for the Resistance ✊ Subscribe

☀️ Palate Cleansers + Must-Clicks

• Expedia has listed the best LGBTQ+-friendly destinations for a summer beach holiday

• Gays went feral at Pensacola Pride's 31st celebration in Florida's panhandle

• The most famous church in the world is also a gay landmark

• You can walk on the famous battle ground of “the most bisexual army that ever lived”

• Gay hiking trips are more popular than ever

• An iconic, legendary Gay actor is about to open a historic all-trans and non-binary production of a Shakespeare classic

• Drag Me to the Catskills: Don’t miss a weekend of camp and comedy in the woods

• Airbnb vs. The World: These cities are pushing back

• It’s about time: Democrat Adam Schiff will become the first U.S. senator to participate in California's AIDS/LifeCycle bike ride

• This LEGO fan and designer is competing to get his truly impressive Stonewall Uprising Lego set mass produced—and you can help!

⚖️ Q&A Time:

Last Week’s Results:
We asked: Do you care about Eurovision?

• 40% said “Yes, I watch it every year 🕺”

   

• 60% said “No, I've got better things to do 🙅”

Verdict:
Eurovision might be camp royalty, but most of you weren’t tuning in. Europe, we love you. But not all of us are watching.

• “No real lyrics in the songs. Event too politicized. The public vote is ridiculous.”

• “Yes ever since 1974 (well watched tv news about it) — didn’t screen in NZ until 1992”

• “I've never heard of it before today ”

This Week’s Question:
The time is here: will you be attending WorldPride in D.C.?

That’s a wrap for this week. ✈️ Safe travels — and we’ll see you next time.
— The GoQueer Team

Popular Posts

• ✅ Our guide to Gay Key West

• ✅ Our guide to Gay Curaçao

• ✅ 12 Gay Resorts to Put on Your Bucket List

• ✅ 15 Must-Read Gay Travel Books and Guides

• ✅ 7 Free & Cheap LGBTQ+ Travel Experiences You Need to Try