Concerns Dampen Attendance at World Pride in Washington

Despite the vibrant celebration of LGBTQ culture at World Pride in Washington, many international travelers, especially from the LGBTQ community, are opting out this year due to safety concerns and ongoing political issues under the Trump administration.

As Washington DC embraces the celebration of World Pride, an event intended to highlight and celebrate LGBTQ culture worldwide, attendance from international participants appears to be waning. The biennial event, which this year also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the city’s inaugural Pride march, has witnessed a surprising trend as travelers express apprehension about attending amid political tensions and safety concerns.

Alice Siregar, a transgender data analyst from Montreal, expressed her reservations to the BBC about the risks she faces while traveling to the U.S. "Given the current climate, coming to the U.S. as a trans woman feels like a significant risk," she stated. This sentiment is echoed among many in the LGBTQ community who are troubled by President Trump's policies, which have rolled back protections and created a hostile environment for LGBTQ individuals.

Despite World Pride initially projecting to attract around three million visitors and generate an estimated $800 million for the local economy, those expectations have now plummeted significantly. Hotel occupancy rates are lower compared to previous years as international travelers reconsider their logistics. Siregar, who holds dual Canadian and U.S. citizenship, shared her struggles in renewing her U.S. passport due to administrative obstacles regarding gender identity, leaving her uncertain about safe passage across borders.

Governments in nations like Germany, Finland, and Denmark have warned their citizens, particularly transgender and non-binary individuals, against traveling to the U.S. due to escalating concerns about safety. Additionally, the LGBTQ rights advocacy group, Egale Canada, announced its non-participation in this year's events, citing concern for the safety of their staff amidst the current socio-political landscape—an atmosphere deemed unwelcoming for the LGBTQ community.

The Trump administration has faced criticism for its policies against transgender people, including a ban on military service and federal funding for gender care for youth, policies viewed as discriminatory by activists. Echoing these sentiments, Helen Kennedy, executive director of Egale Canada, underscored the need for a unified stance against discrimination, stating their organization is not boycotting World Pride but contesting policies harming the LGBTQ community.

The Capital Pride Alliance, the lead organizer for this year’s World Pride, acknowledged receiving numerous inquiries relating to safety. With heightened security measures including the introduction of a controlled perimeter and increased police presence, the event is poised to be held under cautious conditions.

Despite the prevailing fears and a tone that many feel is anti-LGBTQ, local leaders like D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasize the importance of resilience amidst challenges. Kelly Laczko, co-owner of Her Diner in the heart of Dupont Circle, expressed a commitment to maintaining celebration traditions while sacrificing some celebratory spirit for increased security.

Though Siregar will not be attending, she conveyed her hope for those who can to rally and stand in solidarity: "It is crucial that individuals in the U.S. participate and act in solidarity." Laczko concluded with a resonating sentiment that "even joy can be an act of defiance," reminding everyone of the enduring spirit of Pride celebrations in the face of adversity.