WorldPride proved D.C. knows how to party, even with you-know-who in the White House
WorldPrideDC came to a rousing finale this weekend, with concerts, parties and some of our favorite drag queens.
Mark
I don’t remember my first Pride. But I certainly remember my last: WorldPride in Washington, D.C., this past weekend. Was it as global as organizers had hoped? Probably not. But did the nation’s capital roll out the rainbow carpet for all who attended? Absolutely.
D.C. secured WorldPride, the annual global LGBTQ+ celebration, in November 2022. The event would coincide with Capital Pride’s 50th anniversary and what we all hoped would be the next glorious chapter in our nation’s queer history. The current administration has done its damndest to put out our fire. But guess what? We’re like the Olympic flames, b*tches. We keep on burning.
Celebrations have been underway for the past six weeks—a tapestry of annual events collectively branded as part of the WorldPride experience, with the WorldPride Parade, Music Festival, Block Party, and free concerts culminating this past weekend. Additionally, cultural events, the WorldPride Human Rights Conference, and several art exhibits and theatrical productions aligned to create a breadth of programming that any queer person would be proud of.
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While in no way comprehensive (I’ve only got two feet and 24 hours in a day), here’s a look at my WorldPride weekend, one fabulous gay moment at a time:
Never underestimate a drag queen
Drag queens have been bearing the brunt of the far right for some time, and it’s easy to tune out the noise, but those girls are working hard for their money. I went to the historic Hamilton Hotel’s Pride party, hosted by Symone and Derrick Barry. America’s Next Top Model judge and LGBTQ+ ally Nigel Barker, who was on hand to kick off the day with his namesake espresso martinis. Takeaways:
I’ll take a double — Nigel Barker is a tall drink of water, and I wanted to keep on sipping. What kind of moisturizer does he use? Because Barker had me panting like a dog.
Drag queens done right — Symone and Derrick Barry were picture-perfect professionals. Of course, it was early in the day, so who knows how the rest of Pride unfolded, but these queens didn’t miss a beat, generously posing for photos with guests, making conversation, hosting duties, and legit love and interest in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
Before the parade passes by
Destination DC hosted a Pride Parade viewing party in Franklin Park, directly on the parade route. I was lucky enough to score an invitation, which included an open bar, snacks, air-conditioned portable restrooms (not to be undervalued on a hot and steamy D.C. summer day), and family-friendly activities.
That last part was the clincher for me. Sure, it’s great to feel like a VIP in a sea of revelers, but to sit back and watch a toddler play cornhole wearing an “I Love My Two Moms” T-shirt was a stark reminder of our precious rights.
The weekend’s events had plenty of opportunities for adult fun, with circuit party-like vibes at various dance parties around town, but never underestimate the power of queer moms.
Staying cool with queer culture
Beyond the weekend’s benchmark events, art exhibits, concerts, and stage productions continue to elevate D.C.’s place as an epicenter for queer culture. I squeezed in a couple of incredible experiences:
We Are Gathered — Oscar-winning writer, producer, and educator Tarell Alvin McCraney (who now serves as the Geffen Playhouse’s artistic director) joined forces with Arena Stage to produce his latest play, about a gay Black couple questioning the institution of marriage and the impact of how they met (spoilert aler: cruising in a public park). But the real kicker is the real-life weddings and vow renewals that occur at the end of each performance. Through June 15, 2025.
Adam Pendleton: Love, Queen — The monumental exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum is a culmination of the gay artist’s exploration of Black and queer themes, and includes multi-process works that layer sketching, photgraphy, and screen-printing. His new video work, “Resurrection City Revisited (Who Owns Geometry Anyway?)” offers a colliding reimagining of Martin Luther King Jr’s Poor People’s Campaign, juxtaposed with poetry by the late Amiri Baraka and Hahn Rowe’s wild score. Through January 3, 2027.
A concert for the (queer) people
WorldPride’s Music Festival included headliners Jennifer Lopez and Troye Sivan, but for those who wanted to tap into the music scene free of charge, post-parade and closing concerts offered equally enticing line-ups, including CeCe Peniston, Courtney Act, Tatianna, and Doechii.
I caught cutie David Archuleta’s set, which included his recent hit “Crème Brulée,” a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” and an announcement of his Earthly Delights tour. Archuleta also opened up about his Mormon upbringing and coming to terms with his sexuality—a beautiful nod to any first-timer Pridegoers.
Cynthia Erivo closed out the night, singing John Lennon’s “Imagine” and material from her new album “I Forgive You.” She looked and sounded flawless (no surprise) while simultaneously preparing to host the Tony Awards last night.
WorldPride organizers in cooperation with D.C.police and hundred of volunteers, handled the crowds and security with class, proving that despite who’s in the White House, the queers know how to throw a good party.
Feeling FOMO? WorldPride 2026 will be held in Amsterdam from July 25 to August 8.
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