WorldPride 2025, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., from May 17 to June 8, is encountering significant challenges due to recent leadership changes at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Several LGBTQ+ events, including the Tapestry of Pride series, have been relocated following the center’s leadership overhaul orchestrated by former President Donald Trump.
Leadership Changes at the Kennedy Center
In February 2025, President Trump dismissed the Kennedy Center’s president and chairman, replacing them with political allies, including appointing himself as chairman and Richard Grenell as the interim executive director. This restructuring has led to the cancellation of over 20 LGBTQ+ events, including performances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., and the International Pride Orchestra. The Kennedy Center cited “financial and scheduling factors” for these cancellations, but many artists and organizers view the decisions as politically motivated.
Relocation of Events
In response to the cancellations, the Capital Pride Alliance announced that the Tapestry of Pride series, originally scheduled for June 5–8 at the Kennedy Center, would be relocated to the WorldPride Welcome Center in downtown D.C. This series included displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, drag story hours, and performances by the International Pride Orchestra. The relocation aims to ensure inclusivity and maintain the event’s integrity.
Impact on Sponsors and Artists
The Kennedy Center’s actions have led to a ripple effect across the arts community. Corporate sponsors, including Booz Allen Hamilton, have withdrawn their support for WorldPride 2025, citing concerns over the center’s new direction and the administration’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives . Artists such as Issa Rae and Low Cut Connie have canceled upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center, and several musicians with the National Symphony Orchestra have authorized a strike vote in protest.
Concerns for LGBTQ+ Travelers
The changes at the Kennedy Center coincide with broader concerns regarding the safety and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender and nonbinary travelers. The Trump administration’s new immigration policies, which require visa applicants to declare their sex assigned at birth and ban X-gender marker passports, have raised alarms among international LGBTQ+ organizations. Countries such as Germany, Ireland, Finland, and the Netherlands have issued travel advisories warning transgender and nonbinary citizens about visiting the United States during WorldPride .
WorldPride’s Resilience
Despite these challenges, WorldPride organizers remain committed to ensuring the event’s success. The Capital Pride Alliance emphasizes that Pride has always been a form of protest and that celebrating in the face of adversity is a powerful statement. The event is expected to draw between 2 to 3 million attendees, with performances by artists such as Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, Doechii, and Cynthia Erivo.
As WorldPride 2025 approaches, organizers and participants continue to navigate the evolving political landscape. The relocation of events from the Kennedy Center underscores the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its commitment to visibility, inclusivity, and celebration. While the challenges are significant, the spirit of Pride remains unyielding, and the community’s determination to celebrate and advocate for equality persists.
