This year, Washington, D.C. hosted World Pride, marking the global celebration’s 50th anniversary. Thousands of attendees from around the world came together in the nation’s capital to celebrate love, diversity and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ visibility.
The event featured a vibrant downtown parade and a week full of festivities. But amid the celebration, a current of unease was present.
Aubree Murray, an attendee, shared her initial hesitation about attending due to the political climate and the increasing number of anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
“I was a little bit nervous to be here just because it’s so many people,” said Murray. “And I know there’s a lot of hate in the world right now.”
Despite these concerns, the atmosphere at World Pride in D.C. remained overwhelmingly positive. With more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in the U.S. in the last year, this year’s World Pride reminded many of the importance of visibility and unity.
Next year, the global celebration will continue in Amsterdam.
