Latest news with #WorldPrideFestival
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rally for gay rights to convene at historic US site
LGBTQI people will gather at the site of Martin Luther King's 1963 I Have a Dream speech for a political rally aimed at preserving decades of progress while protesting setbacks under President Donald Trump. After the festive nature of a parade on Saturday through the streets of Washington DC, the political demonstration could be the main event of the weeks-long WorldPride celebration, which moves around the globe every two years. It occurs at the Lincoln Memorial at a time of high tension over LGBTQI rights in the US. Speakers are certain to rail against Trump, who has issued executive orders limiting transgender rights, banned transgender people from serving in the armed forces and rescinded anti-discrimination policies for LGBTQI people. We are keeping the vibes high as we get closer to the WorldPride Festival on Pennsylvania Avenue! #WorldPride2025 #PolicingWithPurpose 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈🏳️🌈 — DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) June 7, 2025 The White House has defended its dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, calling the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) framework a form of discrimination, and said its transgender policy protects women by keeping transgender women out of shared spaces. The Trump administration has also touted its appointment of a number of openly gay people to cabinet posts and judgeships as evidence that Trump aims to serve all Americans. Before the main rally, transgender supporters will hold their march to protest Trump's rhetoric and myriad state laws around the country that ban transgender health care services for minors. Backers of those laws say they are attempting to protect minors from starting on a path they may later regret. The transgender rally will march from the offices of the Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBTQI organisation in the US, toward the Lincoln Memorial, which is considered hallowed ground in the US civil rights movement as the site of the King speech and the March on Washington that preceded historic legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Metro unveils new design, extends service for WorldPride
WASHINGTON () — As the excitement continues to build for WorldPride across the nation's capital, Metro is ready to welcome the world to Washington, D.C. The international event will take place across the District until June 8 with concerts, parades, parties, rallies and more. DC Public Library celebrates LGBTQ+ community with events, resources Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) said it is ready to get visitors to nearly every pride event and move large crowds. On Tuesday, WMATA unveiled its new bus and train wraps, giving passengers the chance to ride in style. 'Washington D.C. is a city of major international events and World Pride is no different,' said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. The base of the design features the colors of the rainbow, with the text 'Metro proudly welcomes the world.' During the last weekend of WorldPride, Metro will increase its services and extend hours along the Yellow Line to the end of the line at Greenbelt. On Friday, June 6, Metro will close an hour later, at 2 a.m. On Saturday, Metro will open at 6 a.m. and close at 2 a.m., and on Sunday, the transit system will open at 6 a.m. and close at midnight. Despite this extension, the time for the last train will vary by station. 'Rainbow Road' mural painted for WorldPride on 15th Street NW Officials noted that trains will run every four to six minutes at more core stations during the day. At stations further out, trains will run every eight to 12 minutes. Here is a list of some of the major Pride events throughout the District and the closest Metro stations: Dates Events Nearby stations and lines May 17 – June 8 Welcome Center (737 7th St. NW) Gallery Place (Red, Yellow, Green) May 31 Welcome Concert ft. Shakira (Nationals Park) Navy Yard (Green) June 6-7 World Pride Festival: Global Dance Party (RFK Festival Grounds) Stadium-Armory (Blue, Orange, Silver) June 6-7 World Pride block Party (17th Street NW in Dupont Circle neighborhood) Dupont Circle (Red) June 7 Pride Parade (along 14th Street and Pennsylvania Ave.) Archives (Green, Yellow), Judiciary Square (Red), L'Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Silver), Federal Center SW (Blue, Orange, Silver) June 7-8 Post Parade Concert (ft. Cynthia Erivo) and Closing Concert (ft. Doechii) (3rd and Pennsylvania Ave. NW) Archives (Green, Yellow), Judiciary Square (Red), L'Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Silver), Federal Center SW (Blue, Orange, Silvers) June 8 International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom (Lincoln Memorial) Smithsonian (Blue, Orange,Silver), Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver), Foggy Bottom (Blue, Orange, Silver), L'Enfant Plaza (Green, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Silver) Metro Center (Red, Blue, Orange, Silver) Throughout the weekend, passengers can expect to see an increase in special security and Metro Transit Police along the system. Metro said officers will be present at many stations and bus loops, and special police will walk through trains. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trump Calls for National Endowment for the Arts to Be Eliminated in Latest Budget Proposal
In his latest draconian budget proposal, Donald Trump called for the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Trump previously attempted to eliminate the agencies during his first term in office, but was thwarted by bipartisan support for both. The budget described the potential changes as 'consistent with the president's efforts to decrease the size of the federal government to enhance accountability, reduce waste, and reduce unnecessary governmental entities.' In March the National Endowment for the Arts removed Trump's 'gender ideology' requirements from grant funding applications in response to a lawsuit filed by the ACLU. The move allowed arts organizations to apply for funding without following Trump's 'anti-woke' guidelines. The National Endowment for the Arts provides funding to arts-related organizations, events, and projects in every congressional district in the United States. Though most grants are not large in size, they can be leveraged to attract major donors, the lifeblood of many small organizations. The agency was previously led by Maria Rosario Jackson, who announced her resignation after Trump took office for a second time. In her apolitical resignation letter, Jackson praised the organization 'for the experience and the honor of working alongside a dedicated and talented team of public servants committed to ensuring all Americans can benefit from the arts.' Trump's attacks on the arts and public broadcasting have increased in recent weeks. In February he announced plans to fire several board members of the Kennedy Center for the Arts; in April the organization quietly cancelled a slew of events planned as part of the WorldPride Festival in Washington, D.C., in June. On Thursday, May 2, Trump issued an executive order that slashed funding for PBS and NPR. The move was met with a wide range of criticism, including from documentarian Ken Burns. While speaking to Anderson Cooper Friday, Burns insisted, 'Public broadcasting is 'the Declaration of Independence applied to broadcasting. I couldn't have made, Anderson, any of the films I've made, nearly 40 films over the course of the last 45 years, at any other place than PBS.' The post Trump Calls for National Endowment for the Arts to Be Eliminated in Latest Budget Proposal appeared first on TheWrap.
Axios
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Your guide to WorldPride 2025 in D.C.
WorldPride Festival kicks off May 17, and three weeks of parties, rallies, concerts and events will draw major star power and an expected 2-3 million revelers to D.C. The big picture: The LGBTQ+ celebration, which also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Pride events in Washington, has been years in the making. The city is prepping for crowds with a new parade route, a tap-and-pay Metro card system, and amped-up security. Some plans are shifting last-minute due to the Trump administration's attacks on DEI and the trans community. WorldPride organizers announced this week that they're moving all events out of the Kennedy Center to new venues following President Trump's takeover. Meanwhile, huge names like Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Lopez, RuPaul and Troye Sivan will join the star-packed lineup in a show of solidarity. Between the lines: Within the larger Pride celebrations, look for community-centered events for DC Latinx Pride, Trans Pride, Black Pride, API Pride, Silver Pride and those with disabilities during the festival. Hungry? Taste of Pride is happening in neighborhoods around the city, highlighting LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants and allies. Many museums like the Phillips Collection are running special exhibits, plus there's a free outdoor exhibit at Freedom Plaza that traces the history of D.C. Pride. Zoom in: Nonstop events are happening through June 8 and beyond. Here's your guide to major moments, free fun, and all the good vibes you can handle. See the full event list here. Free entry events are marked with a * Festival headliners You won't want to miss: Welcome Concert | Saturday, May 31 Shakira kicks things off at Nationals Park on her first World Tour since 2018. The evening also honors Capital Cup athletes. WorldPride Music Festival | June 6-7 Stars take over three stages at the RFK Festival Grounds with headliners like Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Galantis, Grimes, Kim Petras, Marina, Paris Hilton and more. WorldPride Parade * | June 7 The massive parade from Logan Circle to near the Capitol is followed by a concert on Pennsylvania Avenue headlined by Cynthia Erivo. It's free, though new security fencing likely means long lines. Folks can also buy VIP tickets. WorldPride Street Festival * | June 7-8 The two-day festival on Pennsylvania Avenue includes artisans, food, beverage gardens and free concerts on multiple stages headlined by Doechii. International March + Rally * | June 8 The festival closes out with a morning rally at the Lincoln Memorial and march towards the Capitol, which will end near the festival grounds and free concerts. Sports 🏆 Capital Cup Sports Festival * (May 30 – June 4): You can register for bocce or basketball, swimming and darts — there's a huge range at venues throughout town. ⚾ Night OUT at Washington Nationals (June 5): MLB's longest-running Pride event includes a special jersey and donation to Team DC. The Nats play the Chicago Cubs. Theater/entertainment 🎭 Gay for DC Theatre (May 16 – June 7): Theatres throughout D.C. participate in a "micro-festival" showcasing LGBTQ+-themed productions with specially priced tickets. 📽️ WorldPride Film Festival (May 27-29): A collaboration with the Queen Film Institute, the festival showcases LGBTQ+ stories through documentary and films screened across D.C. 💃 Drag Through the Decades (June 8): Mr. Henry's on Capitol Hill hosts a show that pays tribute to the evolution of drag, from '80s divas through today's icons. Concerts 🌟 Project GLOW (May 31 – June 1): RFK Festival Grounds hosts the famous electronic music festival headlined by Alan Walker, Loud Luxury, Subtronics, Tiësto and more. 🎼 Opera on Tap DC Metro * (May 22): Keep it classical with a free night of music from LGBTQ+ composers, librettists, and poets and Wonderland Ballroom. 👯♂️ The Capital House Music Festival * (May 23-24): The largest free world music festival at Alethia Tanner Park features 11 hours of nonstop tunes with cocktail and food vendors to keep the party going. 🎤 Choral Festival (May 23- June 8): The Gay Men's Chorus of DC, along with LGBTQ+ choruses from across the country, will perform 45-minute concerts at multiple venues daily during WorldPride. 💐 Full Bloom (June 6): Queer nightlife collectives and artists showcase music and dance across three indoor/outdoor stages in Northeast. 📼 MIXTAPE Pride Party (June 6): Head to the 9:30 Club where DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn will spin a mix of house, indie dance, nu-disco, electropop and throwbacks. Street festivals and parties 🛥️ Pride on the Pier * (June 6-7): Head to the Wharf for a free pier party with DJs, dancing, food and drinks. 🎉 * (June 6-7): The local block party in D.C.'s original "Gayborhood" celebrates the festival's roots.
Washington Post
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
WorldPride relocates events scheduled for the Kennedy Center
The Capital Pride Alliance will move events celebrating LGBTQ+ rights it had scheduled for the Kennedy Center this spring as part of the WorldPride Festival 'to ensure our entire LGBTQ+ community will be welcome,' the organization said in a statement. The Tapestry of Pride programs, featuring sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a reading room and a drag story time, will now be held at the WorldPride Welcome Center in downtown Washington, the alliance said. The three-week long WorldPride festival, which begins May 17, is expected to bring 2 million to 3 million people to the nation's capital, including tens of thousands of international visitors. Organizers have lined up major performers, including Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Doechii and Cynthia Erivo; and the event is also intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Washington's first gay pride events in 1975. 'WorldPride is happening and it is essential to our community both in the US and around the world that we continue to be seen and our voices heard,' June Crenshaw, deputy director of the alliance, said in the statement. A Kennedy Center spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on Capital Pride's decision to relocate its programming. WorldPride's changes follow cancellations or withdrawals of other performances at the Kennedy Center, including a May 21 concert pairing the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC, with the National Symphony Orchestra. And it comes in the wake of President Donald Trump's move earlier this year to install himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center and remake its role in American life. ''NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA – ONLY THE BEST'.' Trump wrote in a social media post in February announcing Richard Grenell, former acting director of national intelligence and U.S. ambassador to Germany, as the center's executive director. 'Ric shares my Vision for a GOLDEN AGE of American Arts and Culture, and will be overseeing the daily operations of the Center.' Since Trump's takeover, the center has laid off employees working in government relations, social media, campus planning and other projects, staff have said. More than a dozen other employees have resigned. Michael Roest, founder and director of the International Pride Orchestra, said his group's June 5 performance at the Kennedy Center was abruptly canceled within days of Trump's takeover. Roest told the Associated Press he was in the final stages of planning the Kennedy Center performance after months of emails and Zoom calls. He was waiting on a final contract when Trump posted on social media on Feb. 7 of the leadership changes and his intention to transform the center's programming. The Kennedy Center immediately became nonresponsive, Roest said. On Feb. 12, he told the AP, he received a one-sentence email from a Kennedy Center staffer saying: 'We are no longer able to advance your contract at this time.' Roest said he never received an explanation as to why the performance was canceled so late in the planning stages. He said his orchestra would no longer consider performing at the Kennedy Center, and he believes most queer artists would make the same choice. 'There would need to be a very, very public statement of inclusivity from the administration, from that board, for us to consider that,' he said. 'Otherwise it is a hostile performance space.' This is not the first time WorldPride has been caught in the swirl of the Trump administration's policies. After Trump announced an executive order targeting companies with diversity, equity and inclusion programs, federal contractor Booz Allen Hamilton withdrew its sponsorship of the festival. A number of international groups, concerned about the Trump administration's attacks on DEI efforts and its targeting of transgender rights in the United States, have said they are planning to stay away from the festival. In February, Canada's largest gay rights organization, Egale Canada, said it would not take part in any events held in the United States, including WorldPride. There is 'a lack of human decency when it comes to how this administration wants to engage with or not engage with members of the LGBTI community,' said Helen Kennedy, Egale Canada's executive director. 'I didn't think it was safe for my staff, specifically my gender diverse staff, to go, and so this is the position that we've taken.'
