The organizers of WorldPride 2025 are planning to travel to DC for a global pride celebration to recognize the potential hurdles trans travelers may face when they try to enter the US.
Ryan Bos, executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance (WorldPride Chief Organizer), Metro Weekly Some trans and non-binary revelers may remain silent about travel to the United States, where the Trump administration has imposed several anti-transgender policies that could be banned by trans travelers refusing to enter, detaining them or even refusing to return home.
“We acknowledge that there are people who are uncertain or fear coming to WorldPride,” Bos said. “We want to ensure that DC is ready to work with all agencies to host events. We are one of the most cozy cities in the country and one of the largest LGBTQ groups in the country.
Several media outlets previously reported that BOS had told members of the Metropolitan Washington State Government Council that it might be. Dangerous Transgender and non-binary individuals traveling from overseas to visit the US, due to the policies of the Trump administration.
The report argued that Pride would issue an official warning encouraging transgender people from abroad not to attend, or an official warning encouraging them to do so at their own risk.
However, BOS claims that his comments have been misrepresented and that the organizers are not trying to discourage anyone from participating in global LGBTQ events.
“We are encouraging people to come to DC to be part of this historic moment, and we acknowledge that some people are scared. “We will continue to provide more information on our travel and health and safety pages for WorldPride.”
WorldPride consists of a variety of events over three weeks, from May 17th to June 8th.
These include various concerts, music festivals, sports festivals, international human rights conferences, parades and marches.
The global event celebrating the LGBTQ community is estimated to bring at least 2 million visitors and more than $780 million to the District of Columbia.
According to WTOP, some members of the Washington State Council’s board of directors said they were disappointed by the news as the drawbacks for visitors not only impact the success of the event, but could also reduce revenues for businesses in the DC area, restaurants and hotels they hoped to get financial boosts for Athenaum around the world.
“It’s truly embarrassing that you all have to consider making such a statement,” Frederick County executive Jessica Fitzwater told BOS. “That’s really heartbreaking.”
DC Councillor Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) said issuing potential warnings to trans or non-binary travelers is consistent with the type of policy being promoted by the Trump administration.
“Recognise that you have a partner in this room and we want to make sure this is a great, successful event and a safe event.
In addition to the binary sex directive, the Trump administration has also pledged to refuse visas to trans athletes trying to come to the US for sports competition, especially for those seeking to compete as women.
Under another directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, federal officials have been instructed to refuse entry to visa applicants that do not match the gender assigned at birth, on the grounds of “identity fraud.”
Anyone deemed to be breached can be permanently denied entry to the United States, effectively constitute a lifetime ban.
The German Foreign Office has already warned transgender and non-binary citizens about travel to the US.
Egale Canada, the country’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group, has decided not to participate in the world’s leading festivals all year. International Association of Prides – Working with the Capital Pride Alliance to organize the WorldPride, Travel warning For queer and trans individuals who want to attend the event.
Beyond the Trump administration’s crackdown on trans travelers, several countries, including Canada and several European countries, have begun warning citizens of the potential dangers of travelling to the US for more stringent immigration enforcement.
There is a report of foreigner You are about to visit the US temporarily for work, or Tourist visa – and in some cases, even permanent residents of the United States born elsewhere – He was detained and imprisoned in a detention facility US Border Patrol agents and immigration and customs enforcement officers.
A very effective fear of the incarceration or detention of foreigners may be sufficient to scare international attendees of WorldPride, even if they are cisgender and have legitimate documents.
This story has been updated from the original version, with quotes from Ryan Bos from Capital Pride and clarification of better elements of the story.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
