Washington, DC (November 19, 2024) – The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), along with global partner Interpride, announced today the official theme of WorldPride Washington, DC 2025, The Fabric of Freedom, as it kicks off official programming during next year’s gathering. To read the full statement, click here. Following the results of the 2024 U.S. election, this year’s theme is one of unity and a global call to action to LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Those voices, those individuals, and those messages are woven together, each an essential piece of the movement built to foster inclusion, safety, and equity for everyone. At a time of division, when the LGBTQ+ community finds itself threatened both in the U.S. and around the world, the fabric of the flag symbolizes the strength of the community, the shared humanity, and the unshakeable unity that defines resilience, love, and acceptance. Washington, DC invites everyone who fights for these freedoms to come together in the same place, a city known for hosting some of the most influential movements in the country’s history.
2025 will also mark the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in the Nation’s Capital concurrently with WorldPride, May 17 – June 8, 2025. As the countdown to WorldPride ticks, the commitment to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community is stronger than ever. Washington, DC looks forward to safely welcoming an estimated three million visitors from around the globe to reflect on the community’s past, advocate for the future, and build a stronger and more resilient LGBTQ+ movement. Organizers are working with city and federal agencies to ensure all necessary safety precautions are put into place. WorldPride DC will feature a vibrant and innovative slate of programming and cultural events to inspire, connect, and empower the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of the American capital.
“Washington, DC 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,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “With this year’s theme, ‘The Fabric of Freedom,’ we’re welcoming the world to DC to share and celebrate our DC values of unity, diversity, and compassion. I invite everyone to plan their trip to DC and join us.”
“This year’s theme will be woven through all of our events. 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,” shares Ryan Bos, CPA Executive Director. “Drawing from our history of resistance, perseverance, and struggle, we will keep working together to build a future where every individual can live freely as themselves. Our community stands ready to continue this fight for equality, knowing that progress is driven by each of us, every day. Unity at this time is more important than ever and our theme calls us all to action.”
Washington, DC will welcome the world by hosting a massive Welcome Concert with Global Latin pop sensation, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Shakira on Saturday, May 31. The welcoming event will also kick-off the inaugural Capital Cup, a WorldPride Sports Festival, which will unite LGBTQ+ athletes and leagues in friendly celebration and competition.
The Capital Pride Alliance is partnering with leading organizations in the field of human rights for the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. By focusing on inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, WorldPride aims to center the voices of those most marginalized in the LGBTQ+ community. The conference will take place Wednesday, June 4 through Friday, June 6. Registration is open now by visiting here. A list of speakers and the full program will be released at a later date.
The celebrations will continue with the ultimate WorldPride Music Festival: Global Dance Party, a two-day music festival produced in partnership with Jake Resnicow’s Dreamland and Project GLOW, featuring three stages with top artists from diverse musical genres. This unique event will take place at the RFK Festival Grounds Friday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7. Those interested in joining the waitlist for the next wave of tickets can register online here.
The iconic WorldPride Parade, presented by Love Travels by Marriott Bonvoy, emblematic of the ongoing Pride movement, will take place on Saturday, June 7. Starting in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood and winding its way down 14th Street, the parade transforms Pennsylvania Avenue into a colorful corridor of joy, with the iconic U.S. Capitol as a stunning backdrop. The FREE WorldPride Street Festival and Concert will extend to two days, running Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 8 and will feature hundreds of vibrant exhibitors, skilled artisans, delicious food, and beverage gardens. The weekend will continue with a Rally and March on Sunday, June 8 and will feature renowned LGBTQ+ activists and leaders from around the world. WorldPride will conclude with an epic Closing Ceremony featuring incredible entertainment and performances by a variety of notable artists. The evening will highlight a montage of the week’s past events and an interactive art installation for attendees to leave their mark.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)