The final day of World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C., wasn’t just damp—it was defiant. Under gloomy skies and spitting rain, thousands of LGBTQ people and allies took to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a rally turned protest march, transforming a weekend of glitter and joy into one of grit and resistance. Gone were the floats and fabulous costumes of Saturday’s parade. In their place: fierce signs, determined chants, and soaked but unbothered marchers demanding their rights in the face of a hostile political climate.
“This is not just a party,” declared Ashley Smith, president of Capital Pride Alliance, echoing a sentiment felt deep in the bone by the crowd. “This is a rally for our lives.” With the U.S. now deep into Donald Trump’s second term and Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress, the LGBTQ community is bracing for impact. Attendance was notably thinner than previous years—especially from international visitors—many citing fear of discrimination or choosing to boycott the U.S. altogether in protest of the administration’s policies.
But the ones who did show up? Loud, proud, and absolutely undeterred. Protesters waved every flag under the rainbow and beyond—trans, bisexual, intersex, you name it. Rhinestones sparkled despite the grey skies. One fabulous attendee even rocked a towering hat resembling the U.S. Capitol building, proving once again that queer fashion is political. Another hoisted a sign that read “Ban bombs not bathrooms,” cutting to the heart of the current legislative climate.
Marching Through Fear—and Rain
Trump’s relentless targeting of transgender rights and drag culture has left many LGBTQ Americans feeling endangered, particularly trans people and queer youth. Security fencing enclosed much of the event, and fears of violence ran high, especially after rumors that the Proud Boys planned to crash the party. Although there were no verified attacks during the parade, one queer bar was vandalized last week and three people were injured in separate incidents near Dupont Circle on Saturday night. Whether these were related to World Pride is still unclear—but the unease is real.
Even as the weather turned cold and wet, speakers rallied the soaked crowd. “Rain will not stop us, and after rain comes rainbows,” one quipped to cheers and dripping applause. Some peeled off early, but many stayed. “You can party all you want, but at the end of the day, the protest is why we can party,” said Gillian Brewer, a physics student from Maryland, huddled under a Pride flag with friends.
Some marchers headed to the Capitol. Others peeled off toward the White House, trailing a banner screaming “TRUMP MUST GO NOW.” Their message was clear: this is not a time for complacency. This is a time for action.
Not Just Trump—Democrats Get Dragged Too
It wasn’t just MAGA Republicans getting called out. “We have to call out people who have abandoned our movement,” said Tyler Hack from the Christopher Street Project. “Being a Democrat is more than carrying the party affiliation. It’s about unapologetic support for the trans community.”
That kind of unapologetic presence was everywhere on Sunday. One attendee flew both a massive rainbow flag and a USAID banner. Another bore an umbrella plastered with logos of federal programs facing the chopping block. “Proud gay federal worker” read another sign. For many, the personal was painfully political.
Despite the turnout being smaller than Saturday’s parade, those who stayed out on the rainy Mall made it clear: the fight is far from over. The LGBTQ community is bruised but unbroken—and under threat, it’s getting louder.
So while the rain poured, the stilettos slipped, and the glitter ran—make no mistake, World Pride ended not in celebration, but in revolt. And the message to Washington? We’re not going anywhere.