World Pride 2025 wrapped up in Washington, DC, on a sombre but determined note as thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial under grey skies on Sunday morning. The mood was a contrast from Saturday’s colourful celebrations, with attendees turning out to rally and march in protest, a direct response to President Donald Trump’s second term and rising fears over LGBTQ+ rights.
Final Day: Protest Over Party
“This is not just a party,” said Ashley Smith, president of the Capital Pride Alliance. “This is a rally for our lives.” Smith noted that international attendance had dropped, as some avoided travel to the U.S. due to safety concerns or to protest Trump’s policies. “That should disturb us and mobilise us,” she added.
Crowds waving LGBTQ+ flags, including trans and intersex banners, held signs like “Fight back,” “We will not be erased,” and “Ban bombs, not bathrooms.” Some attendees were dressed in elaborate costumes, with rainbow glitter and rhinestones on their faces.
“Trans people just want to be loved,” said Tyler Cargill, dressed in a detailed outfit topped with a mini-Capitol dome. “Everybody wants to live their own lives, and I don’t understand the problem with it all.”
Security Tight, Rain Falls, but Message Stands Strong
Wes Kincaid travelled six hours from North Carolina to join the rally. Sitting near the reflecting pool, he shared, “It’s more important than ever to show up for our community.”
Increased security was evident, with fences lining Pennsylvania Avenue due to concerns about potential disruptions. Although rumours of threats from groups like the Proud Boys caused tension, the event remained mostly peaceful apart from a few isolated violent incidents late Saturday night, which police say may not be linked to World Pride. Despite the rain starting around noon, many attendees stayed. One speaker rallied the crowd: “Rain will not stop us, and after rain comes rainbows.”
Criticism wasn’t limited to Trump. Activists also called out Democrats for not doing enough. “We have to call out people who have abandoned our movement,” said Tyler Hack of the Christopher Street Project. “Being a Democrat is more than carrying the party affiliation. It’s about unapologetic support for the trans community.”
As the march moved toward Capitol Hill, others veered off toward the White House, unveiling a massive “TRUMP MUST GO NOW” banner. University student Gillian Brewer summed it up best: “You can party all you want, but at the end of the day, the protest is why we can party.”
