World Pride Event Organizers Shift Venues Following Trump’s Kennedy Center Acquisition

Several LGBTQ+ pride events in Washington, D.C., have been relocated as part of the city’s World Pride celebrations this May and June. Originally scheduled at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, these events include an International Pride Orchestra concert, a drag story hour, and art exhibits featuring panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

The change came after the Kennedy Center decided not to move forward with contracts for these events. Some organizers felt the need to relocate after President Trump’s controversial move to appoint himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center while firing several board members. Trump previously expressed his opposition to drag shows, particularly those aimed at youth, suggesting a shift in the center’s artistic direction.

Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance, described the situation as alarming. He called Trump’s message “the writing on the wall,” leading to a proactive move for their planned gatherings. Bos emphasized that the Kennedy Center has historically been a safe space for LGBTQ+ communities, highlighting that the president’s stance contradicts the essence of pride.

Now, events will take place at the World Pride Welcome Center in downtown D.C. and the International Pride Orchestra concert will be held at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland. This change was swiftly communicated to the orchestra shortly after Trump’s announcement, leaving them saddened about not performing at the iconic venue.

In a statement, Michael Roest, the orchestra’s founding artistic director, expressed gratitude to Strathmore for providing a new venue. He mentioned that their concert would carry a message of love and resilience, especially significant during this pivotal time for the LGBTQ+ community.

Bos reiterated the importance of moving forward with World Pride, especially this year as it marks 50 years of annual Pride events in the capital. “World Pride is not canceled,” he stated. “This moment really matters. We need to show that our community won’t back down.”

Statistics show that participation in pride events continues to grow yearly. According to a recent survey, roughly 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals say pride events are essential for community visibility. This highlights the supportive nature of these gatherings, serving not just as celebrations but as crucial platforms for advocacy and unity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Social media reactions have mirrored this sentiment. Many LGBTQ+ advocates have taken to platforms like Twitter and Instagram to voice their support for relocating events and to share stories about the importance of pride in their lives.

In summary, despite the challenges faced with the venue change, the spirit of World Pride in Washington, D.C., remains strong, reinforcing the message of resilience and unity within the LGBTQ+ community during a historically significant year.

For more on this topic, you can read about the history of pride events and their impacts here from the Human Rights Campaign.

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