With WorldPride just weeks away, all eyes are on Washington, D.C.—but the mood is not celebratory. On Friday, Capital Pride Alliance, the team behind WorldPride 2025, released safety guidance for international visitors, especially transgender and nonbinary travelers. Their message? Stay informed, travel cautiously, and weigh the risks carefully.
The group said, “We recommend that travelers considering entry to the United States make an informed decision based on the potential risks involved,”, citing recent federal policies under the Trump administration that could directly affect trans visitors. While passports with an “X” gender marker are still accepted internationally, a new U.S. State Department rule now requires visa applicants to list their sex assigned at birth.
Advocates say this change could create roadblocks—or even function as a ban—for many in the global trans community. Despite these threats, the organizers believe that “Hosting this historic event in the U.S. capital – a place that has been so important to the movement – is a stark reminder that LGBTQ+ people exist and belong everywhere.” The event runs May 17 through June 8 and promises everything from street festivals to a Human Rights Conference. Behind the scenes, D.C. officials are ramping up security with aerial surveillance, NARCAN stations, de-escalation training, and more.
The city has a strong record of hosting secure, large-scale events—and this time, it’s personal. D.C.’s Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs said, “We are proud to welcome more than 3 million visitors to Washington, DC, for WorldPride 2025. Our government agencies are working diligently with community organizers to ensure that WorldPride is a safe, accessible, and bold celebration of our community. We are prepared and committed to supporting WorldPride events, including the Human Rights Conference, parades, festivals, high-heel races, sports tournaments, and more” Still, with Germany and others issuing trans travel advisories to the U.S., organizers are urging global solidarity.
