Close to 200 people turned out on Thursday, May 29, to watch D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, joined by members of the D.C. Council and officials with the Capital Pride Alliance, raise a large Pride flag on a tall flagpole in front of the John Wilson D.C. City Hall building.

The mayor, who joined others in speaking from a podium on the front steps of the Wilson Building, called the event the city’s official welcoming ceremony for hosting WordPride 2025 DC in the nation’s capital.

World Pride events, which began May 17, continue through June 8.

“Happy WorldPride in the gayest city in America,” Bowser told the crowd to loud cheers and applause.

Joining Bowser were five members of the D.C. Council, including gay Council member Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), who was among the Council members who also spoke at the event.

Also speaking were Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride Alliance, the local LGBTQ group serving as lead organizer of WorldPride 2025, and Capital Pride Alliance Deputy Director June Crenshaw.

“This flag tells a story of love without apology,” Crenshaw said in her remarks at the podium. “Our community has never backed down, and we will not at this time of challenge,” she said.

Japer Bowles, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs, told the gathering that the city and especially Bowser and all city officials were proud to host WorldPride at the time of the 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations in D.C.

Among those attending the event and sitting in a front row seat was longtime D.C. gay activist Deacon Maccubbin, who organized the city’s first Gay Pride Day celebration in 1975. He was joined by his husband, Jim Bennett.

During the ceremony Bowser also presented Capital Pride Alliance officials with a mayoral proclamation proclaiming Thursday, May 29, 2025, as “A Day of Remembrance For Bernie Delia in Washington, D.C.”  Delia, a longtime Capital Pride Alliance official and one of the lead organizers of WorldPride 2025, died unexpectedly of natural causes June 21, 2024

The other Council members participating in the event in addition to Parker were Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Matthew Ruman (D-Ward 3), and Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) 

The Council members, Capital Pride officials, and LGBTQ community members stood next to Bowser as she raised the large Pride flag on a pole located to the right of the front steps and main entrance of the Wilson Building.

As WorldPride begins, the Washington LGBTQ+ community is eager to welcome our queer neighbors from around the country and around the world. From the ASL Open Mic to the Art Tour of Queer Icons and Trailblazers, WorldPride is hosting a diverse selection of events catered to the varied interests, identities, and actions of the wider LGBTQ+ community.

Faith communities from across the Washington, D.C. area have planned individual and interfaith events for LGBTQ+ visitors. Faith communities acknowledge that religion is not a vital part of all LGBTQ+ peoples’ lives. Around the world, queer people have been hurt by religious institutions (through conversion therapy, colonial violence, and other forces of harm). At the same time, for many LGBTQ+ individuals, faith is an important way in which they navigate the world, make meaning, and connect with others who have shared experiences. 

A clear statement of faith and spirituality was launched this week at WorldPride. The Lavender Interfaith Collective’s call to action for WorldPride was published yesterday in the Blade. 

This call was released to counteract the virulent increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and violence. The message of the interfaith call to action calls everyone to the essential work of sustaining queer joy as celebration, resistance and liberation. The call to action opens with the clear affirmation that “across faiths, identities, and nations, we are united by one unshakable truth: every person is worthy, every voice sacred, every body divine. Our unity is not rooted in a single tradition but in a collective belief in the sacred worth of every person.”

Hosting both faith and interfaith events this year highlights the region’s commitment to queer-affirming, multi-faith community, such as the Pride Interfaith Service, whereas others, such as the Interfaith Community Tour at the Rainbow History Project’s Pickets, Protests, and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington exhibition, are tailored to this particularly historical moment and looking back on the rich history of D.C.’s LGBTQ+ community.

In order to raise awareness for what is scheduled, here is a list of the broad strokes of faith-based events that are scheduled for WorldPride this year. This list is not comprehensive because faith is multi-faceted and applies to any experience that a person views as sacred, which can include everything from protesting to prayer to cheering on your favorite drag king. So in many ways, whatever you hold sacred this Pride is a faith-based event.

May 16-January 4: LGBT Jews in the Federal City

Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, 575 3rd Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001

Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum’s “LGBT Jews in the Federal City” explores a turbulent century of celebration, activism, and change in the nation’s capital. This landmark exhibition is the first of its kind to explore DC history, Jewish history, and queer history together, drawing from the Museum’s robust LGBTQ+ archive. Immerse yourself in historical and contemporary photography, artifacts, and oral histories. Learn about legal milestones, far-ranging protests, vibrant cultural life, and change in religious spaces.

The exhibition will open in time for Washington, D.C.’s observation of its 50th Capital Pride celebration and as the city hosts WorldPride for the first time, offering an unprecedented opportunity to infuse Pride with local Jewish history.

June 1, 1:30-3:30 pm: Pride in Religious Pluralism Seminar

Metropolitan Community Church Washington, DC

Coordinated by The LGBTQ Task Force

This panel brings together historians, organizers, and leaders dedicated to working at the intersection of interfaith cooperation and 2SLGBTQIA+ representation and advocacy. Come and learn about the ways that we protect and uplift the work of our movements while reimagining the ways in which our communities work together for a collective vision of peace.

The event is co-hosted by the National LGBTQ Task Force, CapitalPride Alliance, and the Lavender Interfaith Collective (LInC).

Please register at this link. 

June 1, 4-5:45 pm: Sunday Choral Evensong with Acolyte Valediction

Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, DC 20016

Brought to you by Washington National Cathedral

This centuries-old service blends prayers and Psalms with congregational hymns, showcasing the best of Anglican tradition. This service of sung prayer closes the day in praise to God, led by the Cathedral Choir. This service includes the Cathedral’s premiere of Our Wildest Imagining, a choral anthem commissioned in honor of the Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The cathedral is pleased to be among a group of churches and performing arts organizations from around the country who commissioned the piece by Philadelphia composer Dominick DiOrio. The anthem text features words from sermons, stories, and sayings by Bishop Robinson, as well as selections from Psalm 27, which was personally meaningful to Bishop Robinson during some of his darkest times. Join them in-person, or watch the livestream on our Evensong page or on the Cathedral’s YouTube channel.

Please register at this link. 

June 1, 6-9 pm: DMV World Pride Mass Choir

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ, 3845 South Capitol Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20032

Brought to you by Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

An evening of celebration, faith and worship in the Black church tradition, featuring the most gifted Gospel artists in the region. are assembling choirs and congregations from Open and Affirming (ally) churches across the DMV to join this regional mass choir! Rehearsals are May 27 and 30th. The concert will be Sunday June 1 at 6pm at Covenant Baptist UCC.

June 2, 5-6 pm: Interfaith Community History Tour

Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC

Coordinated by Center Faith

This special tour will explore LGBTQ+ faith and interfaith history in the Washington, DC area. Although there has been considerable scholarship focused on LGBTQ community and advocacy in D.C., there is a deficit of scholarship focused on LGBTQ religion in the area. Religion plays an important role in LGBTQ advocacy movements, through queer-affirming ministers and communities, along with queer-phobic churches in the city. 

Part of this tour will draw on the three-part series that I published in the Blade that references the online exhibition LGBTQ+ Religion in the Capital that I published with the Rainbow History Project. Eric Eldritch and I will lead this tour and discuss the beginnings of the new Center Faith History Project focused on collecting these histories. Please register at this link. 

June 3, 7 pm: World Pride DC Interfaith Service

All Souls Church Unitarian Washington, DC

Brought to you by Center Faith, a program of the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center

The Capital Pride Interfaith Service is an integrated service respectfully demonstrating the breadth, depth, and sincerity of our faith, countering any misconception that anti-gay fundamentalists have a monopoly on faith and religion. We take pride that our community expresses its religious faiths in a myriad of ways, each sacred and revered with years of tradition.

Join us for the 42nd anniversary of our local LGBTQ+ community celebration of religious pluralism and interfaith collaboration. You can read more about past Pride Interfaith Services based on my reflections of the 2023 and 2024 services in the Blade. 

Please register at this link.

June 6, 9 am-4 pm: Trans Visibility, Empowerment, Aid and Wellness Day

National City Christian Church Washington, DC

Coordinated by National Trans Visibility March and the United Church of Christ

A day dedicated to mental, spiritual, financial, and emotional empowerment through gatherings, and workshops. For people of faith, they may specifically be interested in the Empowerment Service, scheduled from 1:40-2:40 pm at the United Church of Christ, Washington, DC. This is a session dedicated to spiritual and emotional well-being. 

Find a breakdown of the events at this link. 

June 6, 6-9 pm: World Pride Shabbat Service and Dinner

Adas Israel Congregation Washington, DC

Brought to you by Bet Mishpachah

Join Bet Mishpachah, DC’s LGBTQ+ Synagogue, the World Congress of LGBT Jews, Washington Hebrew Congregation, GLOE, Sixth and I, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, NJB+, and Temple Sinai for World Pride Shabbat hosted at Adas Israel Congregation. Join us for a joyous celebration of love, unity, and community. Come together for drinks, snacks, and a warm atmosphere to honor our LGBTQ+ Jewish community. 

Following the happy hour, we will gather for a Pride Shabbat service led by Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin and featuring clergy from around the Washington community. Let’s raise a glass to inclusivity and acceptance! Immediately following the service will be a Shabbat dinner. Space is limited, so register as soon as possible.

Please register at this link. 

June 6, 7:30 pm: Lavender Light Gospel Chorus (NYC) + three more choruses

National City Christian Church Washington, DC

Please join a celebration featuring the Lavender Light Gospel Choir (New York, NY), Rock Creek Singers (Washington, DC), Seasons of Love (Washington, DC), and Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus.

June 7, 9:30-12:30 am: Eid al-Adha for All: An Inclusive Celebration for Queer Muslims & Allies

Foundry United Methodist Church Washington, DC

Coordinated by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC

Location: Foundry UMC1500 16th Street Northwest, Wash. DC 20036

Join Hidayah US and DC Queer Muslims, in partnership with AQUA DC and API Pride, for an inclusive Eid al-Adha prayer service in celebration of World Pride 2025. Taking place on Saturday, June 7 at Foundry United Methodist Church, this gathering will include a khutbah (sermon), congregational Eid salah (prayer), and a reception with light refreshments and community tabling. This event aims to create a safe space for queer Muslims to celebrate this important holiday together.

The prayer will follow an open arrangement where attendees may stand wherever they feel most comfortable, regardless of gender or sexual identity. This event is free and open to LGBTQ+ Muslims and allies, ages 18 and older (or younger if accompanied by a guardian).

All attendees must agree to the event’s safeguarding policies, which include a commitment to respect the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and a prohibition on audio or video recording during the event. Let’s come together to honor traditions, build connections, and share in the spirit of love and acceptance. We look forward to seeing you there! Then join us to march in the Parade afterwards!

Please register at this link.

June 8, 2-3:30 pm: Join QTAPI for King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony

US Capitol Building, Statuary Hall, 1st Street Southwest, Washington, DC 20515

Join QTAPI Coalition, the first and only explicitly queer delegation, to present leis at the King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol; an annual event held to honor King Kamehameha I, the first monarch and unifier of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This traditional ceremony typically takes place in June to coincide with King Kamehameha Day celebrations in Hawaii. The ceremony is centered around the statue of King Kamehameha I, which is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol and the only monarch in the collection.

After cultural performances and keynotes from dignitaries and the Hawaii congressional delegation, the statue is adorned with beautiful and long lei, symbolizing respect and admiration for the great king. All are welcome to join in on celebrating and highlighting native Hawaiian, and Polynesian culture, history, and ritual! This ceremony is attended by Hawaii officials, including members of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees, and state and county officials, in addition to other US territory delegates and DC officials.

Registration required to enter Statuary Hall, dress code: Hawaiian business casual. Indicate “AQUA – API Pride” for “Organization or Group.”

Please register at this link (by June 1st).

As D.C. prepares to welcome the world for the biggest Pride celebration of the year, “America’s Metro system” is encouraging visitors and locals alike to take the Metro to WorldPride events.

On May 24, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority unveiled a series of specially wrapped vehicles in honor of the upcoming WorldPride celebration. The colorful fleet — featuring a set of train cars, a bus, and a Metro operations vehicle — is decked out in vibrant rainbow stripes alongside the message: “Metro proudly welcomes the world.”

Riders can track the WorldPride-themed train and bus in real time by visiting wmata.com/live and clicking on the “Special Edition” option.

To accommodate the estimated two to three million visitors expected in the D.C. area, WMATA is also boosting rail service from June 6-8. Service enhancements include the extended operation of the Yellow Line to Greenbelt Station — typically the end of the Green Line — on both Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, in an effort to ease crowding on Metro lines serving WorldPride events.

Metro is also expanding hours that weekend to help Pride-goers get to and from celebrations:

• Friday, June 6: Metro service extended by one hour, closing at 2 a.m.
  
• Saturday, June 7: Metro opens one hour earlier at 6 a.m. and closes at 2 a.m.
  
• Sunday, June 8: Metro opens at 6 a.m. and closes at midnight
  

Keep in mind that last train times vary by station. To avoid missing the final train, check the “Stations” page on the WMATA website or app. Metrobus will continue to operate several 24-hour routes throughout D.C.

During daytime hours, trains arrive every 4–6 minutes at most central stations, with service every 8–12 minutes at stations further out.

“Washington D.C. is a city of major international events and WorldPride is no different,” said Metro General Manager Randy Clarke. “Metro is the best way to get around, and we are making it even easier with a new seamless way to pay for fares coming soon, our new MetroPulse app to help navigate the system, and increased service on WorldPride’s closing weekend.”

One of the biggest updates ahead of WorldPride is the launch of Metro’s new “Tap. Ride. Go.” fare payment system. Beginning Wednesday, riders can enter the Metrorail system simply by tapping a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet at fare gates — eliminating the need to purchase a physical SmarTrip card. Riders must use the same card to tap in and out, and should note that transfer discounts will not apply when using this payment method. The feature will expand to Metrobus and Metro-operated parking facilities at a later date.

For full details on all Metro updates related to WorldPride, visit wmata.com.