Our time is here, queers! It’s LGBTQ Pride Month.
Don we now our gayest apparel to hit the rainbow-lined streets to celebrate our beautifully vibrant community. Here in the District, we are in the throws of the Capital Pride Celebration with the blockbuster weekend of festivities in sight. This year, the theme is “Peace Love Revolution.”
Among the many goings-on and the imminent trails of loose glitter in the streets, we have what I consider the star of the show: the annual pride parade. We know it, we love it, we go to it and sweat it out together loudly and proudly. Look it up, it’s called tradition!
Here at Sexual+Being, we want to make sure you’re parade-day ready so we’re answering some key questions about the parade celebrations. Let’s get into it.
Where is the parade?
The party starts at 3 pm at 14th and T Street NW. The route climbs down the main street of shops on 14th before turning on Rhode Island Avenue, then it makes its way to DuPont Circle and finishes as P Street at 21st Street NW.
If you’re looking to keep the good times rolling, there’s also a pride block party on 17th Street NW with tons of vendors and activities to get into.
What’s the parade vibe?
I’ll be honest here: It’s fun as hell! Good ole queer-centric fun.
It can get sweaty quickly, as is the case with any summer day in DC, so make sure you are hydrated. It will also likely be sunny, so sunblock is a MUST (but, let’s be real, you should be wearing this every day anyway.
Let’s be real here: You are just as likely to see a cute little family with their little ones as you are a drunk stumbly twink in a pair of cut-off shorts. Queer people contain multitudes, ya know!
Who should I bring with me?
That’s easy: whoever you want. This is an all-ages pride celebration meant to be enjoyed by everyone in the community and allies — who are respectful of the sacred nature of these types of celebrations, don’t center themselves, and join in good spirits.
Might we suggest getting with your besties, grabbing or making a little brunch before kick-off, and enjoying it together as nature intended?
What should I wear?
The hottest summer pride fashion trend is showing up authentically as you are, so start from there and build on that.
There’s the classic “dripping in rainbows” approach that you’ll see running rampant through the crowds. You can’t go wrong there! But you’ll also see a lot of scantily clad queer hotties there, too, so show off the body if that’s your thing. Whatever makes you feel your best will be the perfect OOTD.
There is a must-have accessory and that’s a small fanny pack or belt bag with everything you need to get you through the day (i.e. phone, hand sanny, sunglasses, mints, a wireless charger, etc.). The streets will be packed, so something small is both efficient and crowd-conscience.
What else is going on pride weekend?
Great question! There will be many different parties, gatherings, and get-togethers sponsored by lovely folks at Capital Pride Alliance, so make sure to check out their website.
One item of note: A bunch of famous friends are taking the stage at the pride festival and concert on the National Mall, including Rina Sawayama, Hayley Kiyoko, Idina Menzel, Monét X Change, and more.
Ryan Carey-Mahoney
Ryan Carey-Mahoney is a writer and LGBTQ advocate based in Washington, D.C. A journalist at heart, he's worked in digital strategy for over five years and has yet to turn down an opportunity to proofread. Talk to him on social media (@thegoodcarmah) about bi+ visibility, politics, and Beyoncé.
