WASHINGTON–At the tail end of a weekend full of Pride celebrations, people from all over the country marched on Sunday in support of LGBTQ+ rights, protesting an administration that has targeted members of the community. International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom culminated a string of DC events hosted by WorldPride, an annual international celebration.
Every year, it selects one city for its marquee LGBTQ+ event. Hosted this year in Washington D.C., the celebration saw a pride parade through the capital and several musical performances, including Khalid, Doechii and Reneé Rapp.
Hundreds of people first gathered at the Lincoln Memorial. Dozens of speakers addressed participants, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, who appeared through a video message. Many denounced the Trump administration’s actions against members of the community.
“Pride is about honoring the trailblazers who came before, joining arms with those leading the fight for equality today and empowering the next generation to live boldly, freely and with joy,” Harris said in the prerecorded message. “It is when we celebrate the progress we have made and recommit to the work still ahead.”
After the litany of speakers from a myriad of backgrounds ended their speeches, people marched from the Lincoln Memorial to the United States Capitol Building.