WASHINGTON — No matter what, the D.C. LGBTQ+ will stay united. That's what motivated organizers of 2025 WorldPride to choose "The Fabric of Freedom" as their theme for next spring's celebrations.
"At a time of division, when the LGBTQ+ community finds itself threatened both in the U.S. and around the world," WorldPride organizers at the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA) said as they partner with the international group Interpride. "The fabric of the flag symbolizes the strength of the community, the shared humanity and the unshakeable unity that defines resilience, love and acceptance."
The CPA said the theme was decided after the outcome of this year's presidential election, "this year's theme is one of unity and a global call to action to LGBQT+ people and their allies."
WorldPride will last three weeks from May 17 to June 8. Capital Pride will get some star treatment with a "Welcome Concert" by Colombian pop music sensation Shakira on May 31.
"No matter the political landscape, Capital Pride Alliance's dedication of championing inclusion, safety and advocating for all members of the LGBTQ+ community remains unwavering," CPA Director Ryan Bos said.
The 2025 event will mark 50 years of Pride celebrations in Washington, D.C., which started at the Lambda Rising bookstore on Connecticut Avenue Northwest, after organizers, including bookstore owner Deacon Maccubbin, decided they no longer wanted to travel to all the way to New York City to celebrate pride.
"Throughout history, people have used fabrics as expressive symbols, to communicate identities, and as forms of resistance," WorldPride organizers said Thursday. "While the LGBTQ+ community faces growing challenges both in the United States and worldwide from those seeking to divide rather than unite."
WUSA9 was at the third pride celebration in 1977, where a 41-year-old Marion Barry, then an at-large DC councilman, made an appearance.
"Washington D.C. has long been a leader in LGBTQ+ rights, and we're so excited to bring the world together for the Pride of our life at WorldPride 2025," Mayor Murel Bowser said Thursday.