Despite the current political climate, WorldPride organisers say the event has support from its city leaders.
“DC is well-practiced in hosting critical and sensitive events safely and securely,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, President and CEO of Destination DC.
“WorldPride DC 2025 has the full support of Mayor Bowser’s office and they have a top-to-bottom safety protocol in place with numerous local and federal officials, reflecting the level of preparation on par with high-security events like the inauguration.
“As the official destination marketing organisation for Washington, Destination DC’s role is to inform travellers where they can find the most up-to-date information available surrounding events and safety in Washington.
“All health and safety information will be updated in real time on the WorldPride website.”
Ferguson said the current political climate makes hosting an event such as WorldPride vital for the community.
“The very real concerns and questions we’ve seen globally are exactly why WorldPride is so important,” he added.
“Washington is where people come to make their voices heard and this is a landmark time for the community to come together, stand proud and advocate for equality, visibility and justice – just steps away from where policymakers make major decisions that affect the world.
“DDC has heavily marketed WorldPride over the past few years through domestic and international advertising, editorial and social media, as well as global Pride activations. We remain optimistic turnout will be strong.
“Our message is: you are welcome here. DC has the largest percentage of residents who identify as LGBTQ+ in the U.S., and this strong, vibrant local LGBTQ+ community eagerly anticipates sharing 50 years of traditions on the global stage.”
WorldPride 2025 runs from May 17 to June 8 and commemorates the 50th anniversary of Washington’s first Pride celebration.
Under the theme “The Fabric of Freedom,” the event encompasses a diverse array of activities, including the WorldPride Parade on June 7, a music festival at RFK Stadium featuring artists like Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan, and a human rights conference addressing global LGBTQ+ issues.
The celebration also highlights cultural exhibitions, such as the Rainbow History Project’s outdoor display at Freedom Plaza, and community-focused events like DC Latinx Pride and Trans Pride.
The community has faced many political challenges recently, including policy rollbacks under the Trump administration. The event will have enhanced security measures in place to ensure a safe environment for the anticipated two to three million attendees.
