After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, clouds and the rainy weather did not deter crowds from joining the Capital Pride Parade as it returned to D.C. on Saturday afternoon. The parade started just after 3 p.m. at 14th and T Streets in Northwest. WTOP’s Dick Uliano, who was at the event, said there was a joyful mood among all in attendance. The Capital Pride Alliance, who organizes the event, has been live tweeting festivities throughout the day:
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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also joined the procession:
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The 1.5-mile route of the parade travels through Shaw, Logan Circle and then Dupont Circle before concluding at P and 21st streets in Northwest. This route was selected to symbolize the expansion and “evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods” in D.C. With rainbow flags flying, thumping music, marching bands and decorative floats, the parade stepped off in Shaw and wound its way to Dupont Circle. In addition to the parade, the 4th annual Capital Pride Block Party on 17th Street between Church and P Streets, features local performers, DJs and two beverage gardens. The block party began at noon and runs until around (or at least) 10 p.m. Saturday. More information about the schedule of events can be found online. Richie Osbourne of D.C., was at today’s parade and said he’s thankful for changing times. I’ve been out here to support all this for 30 years, [since] I came out,” Osbourne said. “This is a big change from 30 years ago.” The parade, which is organized by the Capital Pride Alliance, serves as both a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and a sober reminder of the community’s historic struggle in the D.C. area. Spectators, including families, lined up on the street to watch as the parade started.
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Evelyn of Alexandria, Va., said she was grateful for today’s mood. “Everybody’s happy and smiling, which is not usually a thing for DC,” she said. “So we’re all kind of on that one page and we’re all coming together to celebrate being proud of who you really are.” Road closures started early on Saturday and will continue until Monday as the District celebrates Pride Month with several events throughout the city.
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WTOP’s Dick Uliano contributed to this report.
