WorldPride DC 2025 Updates for the Week of May 12: Partner Prides Kick-Off, Welcome Center Opens
Washington, DC (May 12, 2025)--WorldPride DC 2025 begins this week as Partner Prides kick-off, the official Welcome Center opens, and the Pride365 mobile app launches, helping visitors navigate the full three-week program of events around the capital region. WorldPride DC features a vibrant and innovative slate of programming, with cultural events to inspire, connect, and empower the global LGBTQ+ community. The growing calendar of activities highlights the diversity and inclusivity of Washington, DC.
Partner Prides
Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Pride, DC Latinx Pride, and Trans Pride Washington DC all begin this week.
API Pride will include a series of events that honor the diverse, rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of the API LGBTQ+ community and strive to spark conversations of joy to create change in the world. Event highlights include:
AAPI Coalition Social Hour - Thursday, May 15 at Luna Hall, 6PM - 9PM
Annual get together of DC AAPI organization in celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month.
Dragon Boat Race - Saturday, May 17 at Thompsons Boat Center, 7AM - 5PM
AQUA DC's Out2Paddle team will hit the water for the DC Dragon Boat Festival. Each May, this event provides the chance to carve out space and visibility for the queer Asian and Pacific Islander community.
Ocean Vuong Book Tour - Monday, May 19 at Sixth & I, 7PM
The acclaimed author will host a talkback event on Monday, May 19 at Sixth & at 7PM.
For media interested in obtaining credentials to attend and cover API Pride events, please contact media@aquadc.org.
DC Latinx Pride will feature a groundbreaking series of 20+ events that honor the resilience, culture, and history of Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. From lively fiestas to thought-provoking community events, this celebration brings together local and international voices to uplift shared roots and the generations of activism that have shaped shared identities. With performances from incredible local and national talent, Latinx Pride will spotlight the unique vibrancy of Washington, DC’s Latinx LGBTQ+ community, creating a space for joy, connection, and solidarity. This week’s events include:
La Sanación: Indigenous Welcome – Sunday, May 18 location TBD, 11AM – 2PM
This gathering will include a guided spiritual practice, moments of reflection, and collective learning activity to honor Indigenous traditions and the deep roots.
Latinx Pride Kickoff Reception – May 22 at Kiki, 915 U St NW, 8PM – 10PM
Latinx Pride 2025 will kick off with a night of community, music and excitement. Celebrate the beauty, strength, and spirit of community with the crowning of this year’s Mx., Mrs., Mr. DC Latinx Pride, and MS. Drag DC Latinx Pride.
For media interested in obtaining credentials to DC Latinx Pride events, please contact media@latinxhistoryproject.org.
Trans Pride Washington, DC is a community-driven organization founded over a decade ago by Savanna Wanzer. The group is led by trans individuals dedicated to empowering and uplifting Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse communities in the Washington, DC area. Through advocacy, education, and celebration, it creates inclusive spaces where individuals can connect, share experiences, and thrive.
Trans Pride Conference & Resource Fair - Saturday, May 17, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
This full-day conference features community-led workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and a bustling resource fair with dozens of organizations and service providers.
The Official After Party – Saturday, May 17, 6:00 PM–9:30 PM
An evening of entertainment hosted by Trans Pride DC is our annual joyful tradition for a night full of music, mingling, and memories. This free party is open to guests 18+.
Sinners & Saints: A Trans Pride Late Night Party – Saturday, May 17, 10:00 PM–2:00 AM
For those who want to keep the celebration going, this sultry, themed after-party brings together nightlife and liberation for an unforgettable experience. This free party is open to guests 21+.
Sunday Funday – Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Unwind with community in a casual, affirming social space that centers connection, relaxation, and meeting new friends. This free event is open to guests 18+.
For media interested in obtaining credentials to Trans Pride Washington DC events, please fill out the media credential form here.
WorldPride Welcome Center
The WorldPride Welcome Center is the perfect space for locals and visitors from around the world to recharge, connect, and celebrate. The center will be open from May 17 - June 8 at 737 7th St. NW between G and H Streets. The center offers phone charging stations, a Fabric of Freedom lounge area, official WorldPride 2025 merchandise for sale, light snacks and beverages, and a curated art exhibit. Sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and Drag Story Time will also take place at the WorldPride Welcome Center. A full list of events taking place within the space can be found here.
Gay for DC Theatre
May 16 through June 7
Gay For #DCTheatre is a theatre micro-festival featuring 12+ LGBTQ+-themed productions across the DMV during the three weeks of World Pride. Shows include the world premiere of We Are Gathered, from Tarrell Alvin McCraney (Moonlight) at Arena Stage, Hedwig and the Angry Inch at Signature Theatre, The Inheritance at Ford’s Theatre, and musicals, cabaret, readings, and classics. Specially priced tickets will be available with a World Pride-exclusive code and designated “Pride Nights” will be highlighted. For a full schedule and tickets, visit here.
Paint The World
May 15 through June 30
Washington, DC has begun transforming into a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and unity with Paint the World with Pride! Residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to decorate public facing spaces, such as building fronts, patios, balconies, and yards. This year’s theme is “The Fabric of Freedom”—a celebration of the threads that unite us all. Registration is free by visiting here. By registering, each creation will be featured on the WorldPride interactive community map, indicating the locations and descriptions of each installation.
Pride365 App
Just in time for WorldPride, The Capital Pride Alliance is proud to partner with Think Nimble and The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs to launch the Pride365 mobile app. Developed specifically to address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, the Pride365 app serves as a local guide for all things WorldPride and beyond. It offers updated information on the parade and free two-day street festival, curated event itineraries based upon specific interests, and real-time alerts from WorldPride leadership. The Pride365 app is designed as a valuable tool to enhance the experience and safety of LGBTQ+ community members and allies participating in WorldPride events across Washington, DC. It will remain available and updated indefinitely as a valuable new resource for visitors and DC’s thriving local community. To download the Pride365 mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, simply search “Pride365” or visit pride365.org.
Media can find press images here. Please credit all photos courtesy of Capital Pride Alliance.
About The Capital Pride Alliance
The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), located in Washington, DC, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community all year long, through educational programs, major events, fundraising, outreach and advocacy, providing platforms for visibility, and supporting the work of our many community organizations and local businesses.
About WorldPride DC 2025
WorldPride DC 2025, hosted by the Capital Pride Alliance, will take place in the heart of the nation’s capital from May 17 to June 8, 2025. The global celebration will feature two weeks of parades, festivals, marches, exhibits, and cultural programming. For more information, visit www.worldpridedc.org.
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