Jessica Stern, the former special U.S. envoy for the promotion of LGBTQ and intersex rights, and the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde are among those scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that begins on Wednesday.

Stern, who former President Joe Biden appointed in 2021, earlier this year said the Trump-Vance administration has “systematically dismantled” the work she and her colleagues did.

Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.

Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Spanish Sen. Carla Antonelli, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Rayceen Pendarvis are among those who are scheduled to speak at the conference that will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) through Friday.

D.C. Council member Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) announced that at his request, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith agreed to ask the U.S. Park Service to rescind its decision at her earlier request to close Dupont Circle Park this weekend for WorldPride events.

The Park Service announced in a statement Monday night, June 2, that it would close Dupont Circle Park from Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9, at the request of Chief Smith, to prevent “destructive and disorderly behavior” by WorldPride participants.

“I spoke to Chief Smith this morning and I’m glad to report that the decision to close Dupont Circle park is being rescinded,” Parker, the Council’s only openly gay member, said in a posting on X. “The Park is central to the LGBTQ community and neighbors will be happy to enjoy it this year for WorldPride,”  Parker stated in his X post.

But Parker spokesperson Melissa Littlepage told the Blade that while Parker believes the U.S. Park Service will agree to Smith’s request to rescind the closing of Dupont Circle Park, Parker did not contact the Park Service to confirm that. 

National Park Service spokesperson Mike Litterst, who released the statement on Monday announcing the closure of Dupont Circle Park for WorldPride weekend, didn’t immediately respond to a Washington Blade inquiry on Tuesday, June 3, asking for confirmation of whether the Park Service has agreed to Chief Smith’s request to rescind the park closure.

Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride Alliance, the group that organizes D.C.’s annual Pride events and that is serving as lead organizer for this year’s WorldPride events, said no official WorldPride events were scheduled to take place at Dupont Circle Park this weekend.

Bos said he could not confirm whether individuals or groups not associated with Capital Pride Alliance planned to hold an event there this weekend.

The National Park Service statement on June 2 announcing plans to close Dupont Circle park this weekend made it clear that the action came at the request of D.C. police.

“At the request of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, with the concurrence of the United States Park Police, the National Park Service will temporarily close Dupont Circle park this weekend, beginning Thursday, June 5 to Monday, June 9, as a public safety measure and to protect park resources during WorldPride celebrations,” the statement says.

The statement adds, “This decision was based on a history and pattern of destructive and disorderly behavior from unpermitted activities happening in the park during past DC Pride weekends, including vandalism in 2023 that resulted in approximately $175,000 in damage to the historic Dupont Circle fountain.”

Bos said he was certain that any damage that occurred in the Dupont Circle Park was not caused by participants of Capital Pride events.

This story continues to unfold and will be updated when more information becomes available. 

Hosting its “50 Shades of Pride” anniversary, Baltimore Pride will have various events from June 9-15 to celebrate the LGBTQ community.  

Kicking off with an opening happy hour with good vibes, music, and signature drinks on June 9, community members can head to EMA’s Corner for a night of joy, community, and bold self-expression. 

According to Baltimore Pride’s website, attendees from 5-9 p.m. can show off their “unique shade of Pride” by dressing down or going full glam.  

Hosting another happy hour on June 11 from 5-9 p.m., the Manor in Mount Vernon allows attendees to “sip, socialize, and celebrate 50 years of Baltimore Pride in style.” Filled with Insta-worthy photo moments, signature cocktails, and feel-good Pride anthems played by a live DJ, this event will promote community, connection, and culture. 

Ditching the drinks for a flag in hand, Baltimore Pride is taking over Mount Vernon for a vibrant block-style celebration June 13 from 3-8 p.m. 

Mount Vernon Pride will be filled with live music, art installations and community vendors, food trucks and an outdoor bar, Pride merch, dance zones, and hangout lounges. The event is free and open to all ages, taking place on Park Avenue and Read Street. 

Giving you some time to enjoy Mount Vernon Pride, Baltimore Pride’s Twilight on the Terrace will take place from 7-11 p.m. on June 13, giving attendees “a night of dancing under the stars, fine food, open bar, and great music.”

The “original Dreamgirl herself,” and Tony award and Grammy-award winner Jennifer Holliday, will grace the stage at M&T Bank Exchange at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center with her “soul-stirring vocals and electrifying presence” for an unforgettable night.  

Attendees are able to mix and mingle over signature cocktails and gourmet bites before and after the show with community leaders, culture icons, and changemakers at the Gala Reception. 

Limited seating is available, and attendees are expected to “dress to impress.” 

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Baltimore Pride will host its annual Pride parade on Charles Street and North Avenue on June 14 at 12 p.m. Floats, dancers, DJs, and marching bands will walk along that route that “winds through the heart of Baltimore.”  

Onlookers are able to cheer from the sidelines of the parade while drag queens and community organizations celebrate LGBTQ joy, history, and resistance. 

The event will also feature announcers and special guest appearances. 

Admission is free for all ages, and attendees are encouraged to bring flags, signs, and lots of energy. 

Shutting down Charles Street once again, Baltimore Pride is hosting its annual Block Party.

From 3 p.m. until sunset on June 14, headliner and rapper Lola Brooke will perform as attendees visit local vendors, food trucks, street eats, dance zones, and more. 

Giving community members a chance to interact with 10 local drag entertainers, Baltimore Pride is hosting its own Pride drag brunch at 1611 Guilford Ave. on June 15. Filled with “jaw-dropping performances” with brunch and drinks included with purchase, attendees can be prepared to “slay” their Sunday and honor the “many shades, styles, and stories” that make up the LGBTQ community.  

Doors open at noon with the show starting at 1:15 p.m. with a $20 admission fee.

Ending its week of celebration, Baltimore Pride is hosting Pride in the Park from 12-6 p.m. at Druid Hill Park. Community members are invited to celebrate “a day of love, laughter, and community in the heart of nature.”

Attendees will have lots to choose from for entertainment with live performances from special guests, like singer and songwriter Durand Bernarr and gospel singer Kelly Pride, community vendors, food trucks, and a family zone with arts, games, and activities. Pet-friendly with a variety of opportunities for photo ops and giveaways, this event is free with an RSVP and open to all to celebrate the LGBTQ community authentically and unapologetically.