"Never give up hope." Thousands gather for powerful demonstration of resistance against Trump's policies affecting LGBTQ+ rights
Thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from across the globe gathered in Washington DC on Saturday, 7 June blending exuberant celebration with a powerful demonstration of resistance against President Donald Trump's policies affecting LGBTQ+ rights.
As part of the grand finale of the weeks-long WorldPride festivities, the march wound through the streets, coming within a block of the White House. Spectators and participants alike waved vibrant rainbow flags—including one spanning multiple blocks—and danced to electrifying music, transforming the city into a sea of colour and unity.
Since his return to office in January, Trump has signed executive orders restricting trans rights, prohibiting trans individuals from serving in the military, and rolling back anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people. These actions are part of a broader effort to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
"We're going backwards," said Patricia Johnson, 70, who works for a nonprofit group supporting seniors in Washington. "But never give up hope."
The parade route was lined with members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies like Carrie Blanton, a 58-year-old school teacher from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, who was attending her first event for LGBTQ+ rights, saying her religious beliefs previously kept her from showing support.
"I wanted to grow as a Christian and realised my own hard-heartedness. This is a way to give back to the community for having been so cold-hearted in the past. God is here for everyone," said Blanton, who voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election and for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in 2020.
Lisa Tusick, 62 said she feared how far Trump may go.
"He started with trans kids and he's going to keep going until he gets rid of gay marriage," Tusick said. "We don't want to think about it too much. We just want to enjoy the day."
