DC Pride

The first DC Pride, also known today as Capital Pride, took place in 1972, and since then it has handsomely evolved into one of the biggest, most exciting pride celebrations in the USA. For ten days, you can expect the nation’s capital to come alive with a host of lively events including a pride brunch, a block party, and of course one incredible pride parade. Capital Pride is held in early June each year in Washington, D.C. 

Capital Pride was originally called Gay Pride Day. It changed its name to Gay and Lesbian Pride Day in 1981, and to Capital Pride in 2000.

Along with Capital Pride, Washington DC also hosts DC Black Pride, Youth Pride, Silver Pride, and Capital Trans Pride earlier in May. DC Latinx Pride happens in early June.

D.C. Black Pride is the first official black gay pride event in the United States and one of two officially recognized festivals for the African American LGBT community. Since 1991, tens of thousands from the D.C. metro area and beyond gather to acknowledge the progression of the black LGBT community every Memorial Day weekend. The estimated attendance at the 2017 pride event was approximately 30,000, the second largest black pride festival in the nation.

What is Youth Pride Day?
Youth Pride Day typically occurs late April/early May in Washington, DC. The first Youth Pride Day occurred in Dupont Circle Park in 1997 with over 900 young people coming out to celebrate awareness, visibility and pride with performances, games, speakers, resources. The attendees are LGBTQ and allies, 24 and under.

Silver Pride is a free community event in Washington, DC offering a day of workshops, resources, and social experiences for LGBTQ people 60 and over. 

Capital Trans Pride draws together members of the transgender and gender non-conforming community, allies, colleagues, family, and friends for a weekend of celebration, workshops, networking, and panel discussions on a variety of issues important to the Trans community.

Every year, the Latino GLBT History Project coordinates and executes multiple working components of DC Pride in collaboration with Capital Pride. This collective is known as Latinx Pride and is a staple track of D.C. Pride festivities and events.

For full details on Capital Pride and all previous editions, be sure to check out the official event program. Happy Pride!