District of Columbia
Faith and interfaith-based events for WorldPride
Whatever you hold sacred this Pride is a faith-based event
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).
District of Columbia
Campaign launched to elect more LGBTQ candidates to ANC seats
Capital Stonewall Democrats behind Queering ANCs effort
The Capital Stonewall Democrats, D.C.’s largest local LGBTQ political group, announced on July 7 it has launched a campaign to help elect large numbers of LGBTQ candidates to the city’s Advisory Neighborhood Commissions.
The D.C. local government is believed to be unique among U.S. cities in currently having 46 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions consisting of 345 single-member districts in neighborhoods throughout the city in which unpaid Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners are elected for two-year terms.
The commissions are charged with considering a wide range of policies and programs impacting their neighborhoods, including traffic, parking, recreation, street improvements, liquor licenses, zoning, economic development, police protection, sanitation and trash collection, and D.C.’s annual budget, according to the ANC website.
Although the ANCs do not have authority to set or reject policies or proposals, such as applications for liquor licenses, city agencies are required to give “great weight” to ANC recommendations, according to the law creating the ANCs.
Kent Boese, a gay former ANC commissioner, currently serves as executive director of the D.C. Office of ANCs.
“We are launching the most ambitious hyperlocal LGBTQ+ candidate pipeline initiative in the country,” said Stevie McCarty, the Capital Stonewall Democrats president, in a July 7 statement that announced the Queering ANCs campaign.
“As an ANC member, I know firsthand how these seats shape our neighborhoods, from housing and public safety to sanitation,” McCarty says in the statement. “I’m proud to lead this effort to ensure more LGBTQ+ Washingtonians see themselves as leaders in their communities,” he said.
The ANC Rainbow Caucus, which was created by LGBTQ ANC members, shows on its website that there are currently 38 caucus members consisting of elected LGBTQ ANC commissioners serving in the current 2025-2026 two-year term.
The website shows there are LGBTQ commissioners who are caucus members in each of the city’s eight wards, with six in Ward 1, eight in Ward 2, one in Ward 3, six in Ward 4, five in Ward 5, three in Ward 6, eight in Ward 7, and one in Ward 8.
The Washington Blade couldn’t immediately determine how many of them will be running for re-election in D.C.’s general election in November. But McCarty said Capital Stonewall Democrats hopes to recruit many more LGBTQ candidates to run for ANC seats.
The D.C. Board of Elections website shows the deadline for filing 25 required petition signatures to be placed on the ballot is Aug. 5.
A Queering ANCs website launched this week by Capital Stonewall Democrats provides details on how to run for an ANC seat and offers help for those interested in running.
“Think of someone in your building, neighborhood, friend group, community organization, or professional network who cares deeply about D.C. and would make a strong leader,” McCarty says in his statement. “Send them QueeringANCs.org and personally ask them to consider running,” he said.
The website can be accessed at QueeringANCs.org.
District of Columbia
Mary’s House founder, CEO retires
Dr. Imani Woody played leading role in opening DC’s first home for LGBTQ seniors
The board of directors for Mary’s House for Older Adults, DC’s first official home dedicated to providing affordable housing for LGBTQ seniors, announced on July 7 that its founding president and CEO, Dr. Imani Woody, has retired.
Woody, who holds a PhD in Human Services, is credited with playing a leading role over many years in arranging both city and private funding needed to construct and operate the Mary’s House three-story building located at 401 Anacostia Road, S.E., in the city’s Fort Dupont neighborhood.
The house, which opened in March 2025, with a grand opening ceremony held in May 2025, includes 15 single-occupancy residential units and more than 5,000 square feet of shared communal living space.
“It is with profound gratitude and hearts full of celebration that the board of directors of Mary’s House for Older Adults, DC (MHFOA) announces the retirement of our visionary founder, Dr. Imani Woody, from her role as president and CEO,” the Mary’s House board says in a statement.
“Dr. Woody’s journey with Mary’s House began with her vision and a kitchen table gathering of women with a bold, urgent, and loving vision: to create safe, affirming, affordable housing for LGBTQ/SGL older adults in Washington, DC,” the statement says.
It adds, “What started as a dream has grown into DC’s first affordable LGBTQ+/SGL affirming communal living space for adults 60 and over, a 15-room community residence at 401 Anacostia Road in Southeast Washington.”
The statement says Woody will continue to serve on Mary’s House board.
“The board will be sharing information about the leadership transition process in the coming weeks,” the statement continues. “We are committed to honoring Dr. Woody’s legacy by ensuring Mary’s House continues to thrive and grow in faithful service to LGBTQ/SGL elders experiencing housing insecurity and isolation.”
District of Columbia
SMYAL receives $25,000 award for ‘courageous acts’
D.C. group provides support services for LGBTQ youth
The D.C.-based organization SMYAL, which provides services for LGBTQ youth in the D.C. metro area, including housing for homeless LGBTQ youth, announced on June 30 that it received a $25,000 award for its “courageous acts” in support of the community it serves.
The award was a monetary grant from The Courage Project, which describes itself as a “national initiative investing in acts of courage and compassion that strengthens our communities and democracy.”
A statement on its website says it was launched in May 2025 and is funded and backed by leading national foundations in the U.S.
“At SMYAL, we are deeply grateful to receive support from The Courage Project and are inspired by their bold investment in LGBTQ+ youth at such a critical moment,” SMYAL CEO Erin Whelan said in a statement. “For queer and trans young people, simply showing up as themselves each day requires immense courage, and that courage is strengthened when organizations like The Courage Project stand behind them loudly, proudly, and without hesitation,” Whelan said.
In its statement announcing the award SMYAL says The Courage Project will recognize SMYAL and other awardees and their work on July 3 at the Washington National Cathedral as part of a special interfaith service marking the U.S. 250th anniversary.
“The Courage Project is a bold initiative honoring everyday acts of bravery – the quiet, often unseen acts of heroism that reflect the best of the American spirit and strengthen democracy at the community level,” the project states on its website.
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