There’s a dark cloud hanging over WorldPride D.C., taking place starting this week in Washington DC in the shadow of the White House. What was promoted as a landmark global celebration of LGBTQ unity is now facing mounting concerns over low turnout, changes in major events, and shrinking financial support.
Despite early projections that WorldPride 2025 would bring up to three million visitors to Washington, D.C., the city’s hotel bookings are painting a much different picture. According to Kyle Deckelbaum of Destination D.C., hotel reservations for both the opening and closing weekends are actually down by 3% compared to the same time last year. Deckelbaum cautions that this data only reflects D.C. hotels.
And while he points to an overall drop in international travel to the U.S. this year, activists from Europe, Canada, and Mexico have openly said they’re skipping the event in protest of President Donald Trump’s anti-LGBTQ policies, particularly those targeting transgender people. Local hotels aren’t sold out, and some are even offering discounts. Adding to the tension is a reported 20% drop in corporate sponsorship.
Still, Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride Alliance, remains hopeful. He told the Washington Blade that WorldPride is more than numbers—it’s a symbol of defiance and joy in a hostile political climate. This week’s programming remains packed: from the WorldPride Film Festival, Mayor Bowser’s flag-raising ceremony, and the June 7 parade with grand marshals Laverne Cox, Reneé Rapp, and Deacon Maccubbin. Last night PBS News Hour featured World Pride and Queer News Tonight reports it here with Ryan Bos, Executive Director of WorldPride.
