World Pride 2025
Jessica Stern, D.C. Episcopal bishop to speak at WorldPride conference
Human rights gathering to take place at JW Marriott

Jessica Stern, the former special U.S. envoy for the promotion of LGBTQ and intersex rights, and the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde are among those scheduled to speak at the WorldPride 2025 Human Rights Conference that begins on Wednesday.
Stern, who former President Joe Biden appointed in 2021, earlier this year said the Trump-Vance administration has “systematically dismantled” the work she and her colleagues did.
Budde, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, in January urged President Donald Trump “to have mercy” on LGBTQ people, immigrants, and others “who are scared right now” during a post-Inauguration service that he and Vice President JD Vance attended at the Washington National Cathedral. Trump criticized Budde’s comments and demanded an apology.
Icelandic Industries Minister Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Spanish Sen. Carla Antonelli, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Rayceen Pendarvis are among those who are scheduled to speak at the conference that will take place at the JW Marriott (1331 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.) through Friday.

The Washington Blade hosted the inaugural WorldPride Boat Parade at The Wharf DC on Friday, June 6. NBC4’s Tommy McFly served as the emcee.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)























The 2025 Capital Pride Honors awards ceremony and gala reception was held at the National Building Museum on Thursday, June 5. Honorees included Cathy Renna, Jerry St. Louis, Ernest Hopkins, Lamar Braithwaite, Rev. Dr. Donna Claycomb Sokol, Kriston Pumphrey, Gia Martinez, Kraig Williams and SMYAL. Presenters and speakers included U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Amber Ruffin, Raven-Symoné and Paul Wharton.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)




































La Fiesta: The Official Latinx Pride Party was held at Bunker on Thursday, May 29. The event was hosted by Lady J Monroe and featured performances by Mia Carlisle, Stefon Royce, Evry Pleasure and Alexis Carter St. James.
(Washington Blade photos by Robert Rapanut)











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