logo
‘Not just a party:' World Pride celebrations end with defiant politics on display

‘Not just a party:' World Pride celebrations end with defiant politics on display

Yahooa day ago

After the raucous rainbow-hued festivities of Saturday's parade, the final day of World Pride 2025 in the nation's capital kicked off on a more downbeat note.
Thousands gathered under gray skies Sunday morning at the Lincoln Memorial for a rally and protest march, as the community gathers its strength for a looming fight under President Donald Trump's second administration.
'This is not just a party,' Ashley Smith, board president of Capital Pride Alliance. 'This is a rally for our lives.'
Smith acknowledged that international attendance numbers for the bi-annual World Pride were measurably down, with many potential attendees avoiding travel to the U.S. due to either fear of harassment or in protest of Trump's policies.
'That should disturb us and mobilize us,' Smith said.
Protesters cheered on LGBTQ+ activists taking the stage while waving both traditional Pride flags and flags representing transgender, bisexual, intersex and other communities. Many had rainbow glitter and rhinestones adorning their faces. They held signs declaring 'Fight back,' 'Gay is good,' 'Ban bombs not bathrooms' and 'We will not be erased.'
Trump's campaign against transgender protections and oft-stated antipathy for drag shows have set the community on edge, with some hoping to see a renewed wave of street politics in response.
'Trans people just want to be loved. Everybody wants to live their own lives and I don't understand the problem with it all,' said Tyler Cargill, who came wearing an elaborate costume with a hat topped by a replica of the U.S. Capitol building.
Wes Kincaid drove roughly 6 hours from Charlotte, North Carolina to attend this year. Sitting on a park bench near the reflecting pond, Kincaid said he made a point of attending this year, 'because it's more important than ever to show up for our community.'
Reminders of the cuts to federal government programs were on full display, Sunday. One attendee waved a pole bearing a massive rainbow flag along with a large USAID flag; another held a 'Proud gay federal worker' sign; and a third held an umbrella with the logos of various federal program facing cuts — including the PBS logo.
Trump's anti-trans rhetoric had fueled fears of violence or protests targeting World Pride participants; at one point earlier this spring, rumors circulated that the Proud Boys were planning to disrupt this weekend's celebrations. Those concerns prompted organizers to install security fencing around the entire two-day street party on a multi-block stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue.
But so far, the only clear act of aggression has been the vandalizing of a queer bar last week. Late Saturday night, there was a pair of violent incidents near Dupont Circle — one of the epicenters of the World Pride celebrations. Two juveniles were stabbed and a man was shot in the foot in separate incidents. The Metropolitan Police Department says it is not clear if either incident was directly related to World Pride.
A cold rain began falling around noon Sunday as the rally speakers cut short their comments and prepared to march. Some attendees filtered away while others huddled under umbrellas and ponchos.
'Rain will not stop us, and after rain comes rainbows,' said one speaker from the stage.
The speeches didn't just target the Trump administration or the Republican Party. Some turned their ire on Democratic politicians, who they say have wilted under the pressure of Republican control of the White House and both houses of Congress.
'We have to call out people who have abandoned our movement,' said Tyler Hack of the Christopher Street Project.
'Being a Democrat is more than carrying the party affiliation,' Hack added. 'It's about unapologetic support for the trans community.'
While the main march headed toward the U.S. Capitol, a separate group splintered off and headed toward the White House, unfurling a large 'TRUMP MUST GO NOW' banner.
Those who stayed to brave the weather said their presence amid less-than-ideal circumstances was vital.
'People are still out here, despite the rain, despite their exhaustion,' said Gillian Brewer, a university student studying physics from Silver Spring, Maryland. 'We're not going anywhere.'
Brewer expressed some frustration that the turnout for Sunday's protest march was lower than for the World Pride parade the day before, which she decided to skip.
'This is more important,' Brewer added. 'You can party all you want but at the end of the day, the protest is why we can party.'
Natalie Farmer, who traveled from San Diego with her wife, attributed the difference in numbers between the march and Saturday's parade to people being tired from celebrating the previous night.
'Some of us have to do the rallying to keep the party going,' Farmer said. 'We all fight in different ways.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Snow White Maine Coon's ‘Funky Feet' Are Just Incredible
Snow White Maine Coon's ‘Funky Feet' Are Just Incredible

Yahoo

time19 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Snow White Maine Coon's ‘Funky Feet' Are Just Incredible

Snow White Maine Coon's 'Funky Feet' Are Just Incredible originally appeared on Parade Pets. Weird feet are a very real thing. Some people have them, some animals have them. Luckily for humans, we can typically hide our weird feet with shoes and socks, but animals aren't quite so lucky. Their feet are out in the open for all to see! On June 4th, one crisp, snow-white Maine Coon's "funky" feet were capturing people's hearts. It looks like his feet are wearing oven mitts! Name something cuter than that (spoiler alert, you can't): The Maine Coonies don't all have funky feet, but this boy does, and I love him for it. They're gorgeous! I'd kiss them if I could. I bet he makes excellent biscuits!This Maine Coon cat's name is Casper (because he looks like a ghost). He's one of three Maine Coons in his house, but if you ask me, he might just be the best one. I mean, so you see those absolute flippers? Casper doesn't even have extra toes or anything, his feet are just Like That! When he's not busy showing off his foot-thumbs, he's typically lounging around with his bestie, Dexter. They also have a sister, but she must think she's too good for them or something! Girls rule! Maine Coons grow to have absolutely massive paws, mostly because they end up being pretty massive cats. Their paws are not only huge and often equipped with cute little thumbs: they're usually very fluffy. So fluffy, in some cases, that their parents opt to shave around their digital pads (which is the government name for "toe beans"). You don't have to shave your Maine Coon cat anywhere if you don't want to, but it can have its advantages: Sanitary shaves around their backside reduce the probability of something getting caught in their fur. Shaving/clipping down the fur around their digital pads can help with maintaining a good grip on the floor. If they get to go outside, it reduces the possibility of dirt getting caught in their fur. Casper doesn't get shaved at all: he's perfect as he is, funky feet and everything included! 🐶🐾🐾 Snow White Maine Coon's 'Funky Feet' Are Just Incredible first appeared on Parade Pets on Jun 10, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.

BET Awards open with explosive 2000s performances — and the surprise return of these iconic hosts
BET Awards open with explosive 2000s performances — and the surprise return of these iconic hosts

Yahoo

time31 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

BET Awards open with explosive 2000s performances — and the surprise return of these iconic hosts

The BET Awards' 25th Anniversary opened in spectacular fashion, honoring the golden era of 2000s music with a star-studded lineup of performances. The 25th anniversary of the BET Awards opened with a nostalgic and electrifying celebration, paying homage to the golden era of 2000s music. This year's ceremony, centered around Black excellence and legacy, wasted no time delivering an unforgettable showcase, launching with ten powerhouse performances from some of the most celebrated artists of the decade. The night kicked off with high-energy hits, including Keyshia Cole's 'I Should Have Cheated,' Amerie's '1 Thing,' and Mýa's 'Case of the Ex.' Rap legend T.I. followed with an explosive two-song set, performing 'Bring Em Out' and 'What You Know.' Presented as a countdown by the iconic 106 & Park hosts, the star-studded opener continued with performances from Ashanti, Jim Jones, B2K, and more—each artist bringing their signature sound and style to the stage. 106 & Park, which aired on BET from 2000 to 2014, became a cultural phenomenon and a daily staple for Black youth. More than just a music video countdown show, it was a platform where hip-hop and R&B artists connected directly with fans through interviews, live performances, and moments that shaped the culture. The tribute brought back some of the show's most memorable hosts, including the iconic Free, Terrence J, Julissa Bermudez, Rocsi Diaz, and Keshia Chanté. While A.J. Calloway, Free's original co-host, couldn't make it, the energy and nostalgia of the reunion still lit up the stage. The countdown concluded with none other than Bow Wow—a former 106 & Park host himself—closing the sequence with his beloved hit 'Like You.' Later in the evening, the celebration of Black excellence and cultural legacy will continue with a prestigious moment: the Ultimate Icon Award. This highly anticipated honor will recognize Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin for their groundbreaking contributions to music and entertainment, celebrating their lasting impact on the industry. More must-reads: At BET Awards, Tyler Perry says he's made more Black millionaires than Hollywood—and calls for protecting our history Jamie Foxx honored with BET Icon Award, delivers tearful speech on surviving near-death crisis Doechii uses BET Awards win to condemn Trump's ICE raids and support mass protests in LA

Luca Guadagnino Eyes ‘Artificial' At Amazon MGM As Next Movie With Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro And ‘Anora' Actor Yura Borisov Circling
Luca Guadagnino Eyes ‘Artificial' At Amazon MGM As Next Movie With Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro And ‘Anora' Actor Yura Borisov Circling

Yahoo

time33 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Luca Guadagnino Eyes ‘Artificial' At Amazon MGM As Next Movie With Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro And ‘Anora' Actor Yura Borisov Circling

After his DC Studios pic Sgt. Rock got pushed a full year, Luca Guadagnino has moved fast to find his next movie. The director in talks to helm Artificial at Amazon MGM Studios. While deals are still not closed, he looks to have found a strong ensemble as insiders say Andrew Garfield, Monica Barbaro and Anora breakout Yura Borisov are in early talks to star. While not confirmed, sources say the film revolves around the period at the artificial intelligence company OpenAI in 2023 that saw CEO Sam Altman fired and rehired in a matter of days. Simon Rich wrote the script and will produce alongside Heyday Films' David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford. Jennifer Fox is also in talks to produce. More from Deadline Screenwriter Discusses Rush To Bring Prime Video's The Elevator Boys Movie to Life - Seriencamp Sky Boss Dana Strong Raises Artificial Intelligence Copyright Concerns: "I Can't Fathom How A Small Producer Keeps Up" Tastes Great, Less Filling? Report On Meta Plan For Cheaper, Fully AI-Made Ads Boosts Tech Giant's Stock As Media Agency Shares Slump Guadagnino is someone who always likes to work and was getting ready to shoot Sgt. Rock later this summer with Colin Farrell set to star. When the film had to push a full year, Guadagnino moved quickly to find something he could get up and running this year and mulled several options before landing on Artificial. While technically the film is in development until everyone has a closed deal, the idea would be to shoot this year once those deals have closed. The film reunites Guadagnino and Amazon MGM Studios. He directed After the Hunt, starring Julia Roberts, Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, which the studio is releasing in theaters October 10, and Challengers, starring Zendaya, which the studio released theatrically last year. Heyman is also already in business with the studio as he gears up to produce the next James Bond film alongside Amy Pascal. Additionally, he produced all eight film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books, as well as the three Fantastic Beasts films. Guadagnino is repped by CAA and Range Media Partners, Garfield is repped by CAA and Gordon & French, Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern, Barbaro is repped by UTA and Range, and Borisov is repped by UTA and ColorCreative. Rich is repped by CAA. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025-26 Awards Season Calendar: Dates For Tonys, Emmys, Oscars & More Everything We Know About 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 So Far

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store