While World Pride marks a significant celebration of LGBTQ rights in Washington D.C., many international attendees are opting out due to worries about safety and President Trump's policies. The event faces lower turnout expectations compared to prior years.
World Pride in Washington Faces International Withdrawal Amid Travel Fears
World Pride in Washington Faces International Withdrawal Amid Travel Fears
The global celebration of LGBTQ culture, now underway in Washington D.C., sees a drop in foreign participation due to concerns over safety and political climate.
As World Pride festivities kick off in Washington D.C., the anticipated celebration of LGBTQ+ culture faces a significant setback in attendance from international travelers. Concerns over safety and political tensions are causing many to withdraw their plans, significantly impacting the mood surrounding the event.
The event, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the city's initial Pride march, was projected to attract around three million visitors and contribute nearly $800 million to the local economy. However, organizers are now bracing for attendance to fall to approximately one-third of original estimates, leading to a dip in hotel bookings and local economic projections.
Among those refraining from attending is Alice Siregar, a Montreal-based transgender data analyst, who cites fears over traveling to the U.S. under the current administration. With recent regulations imposed by the Trump administration complicating passport renewals for transgender citizens, Siregar is worried about her safety while crossing borders, even with Canadian documentation that recognizes her gender as female. She expressed, "It's too dangerous to risk it," highlighting a broader sentiment of anxiety shared by many potential attendees.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has responded to these concerns, asserting that gender identity should not affect admissibility. Yet, this reassurance has not alleviated worries for many, as various European nations—including Germany and Denmark—have issued travel advisories for LGBTQ citizens considering travel to the U.S.
Notably, Egale Canada, a significant LGBTQ organization, is abstaining from World Pride this year, prioritizing the safety of its transgender staff. Executive Director Helen Kennedy stated, "We are very concerned about the general tone and hostility towards domestic LGBTI people in the U.S." This sentiment resonates with many who feel the current political landscape is increasingly inhospitable towards LGBTQ rights.
Since taking office, Trump has rolled back numerous protections for LGBTQ individuals, creating a climate that some describe as hostile. Supporters defend his policies as necessary to uphold certain traditional values, while critics argue they represent a significant setback in civil rights.
While former President Joe Biden's administration has embraced Pride Month celebrations, Trump has remained largely silent on the issue, leading many to question the federal government's commitment to LGBTQ equality. Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the fears expressed by potential visitors, stating, "We can't live in fear, we have to live our lives."
In a response to the heightened concerns, the organizers of World Pride have implemented increased security measures, including a designated perimeter and weapons detectors. The Metropolitan Police Department's LGBTQ+ liaison unit will enhance its presence during the festivities.
Business owners in LGBTQ hubs, like Kelly Laczko of Her Diner, have bolstered security protocols, reflecting the current atmosphere of heightened anxiety. Despite her absence, Siregar still encourages others to participate and support pride events, asserting, "It's important that people stand up more than ever now." In challenging times, Laczko adds, "Even joy can be an act of defiance."
