A year ago, billboards and posters across the country announced what was to be a landmark event: World Pride 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Pride in Washington, D.C. Expectations soared. Many imagined it would be the celebration of the decade—especially with the “Discriminator-in-Chief” once again occupying the White House. The timing was powerful. The stars were aligned to make this Pride not only historic but a call to action, reconnecting us to the radical origins of the first Pride celebration in New York City.
That first one, on June 28, 1970, commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. It was not a parade, but a bold act of defiance—an unambiguous stand against police violence and institutional repression. It was an demonstration of visibility and dignity in the face of systemic abuse.
Today, in the face of one of the most aggressive rollbacks of LGBTQ+ rights in U.S. history, that legacy feels painfully absent.
Trump’s Second Term Opens with a Wave of Anti-Trans Executive Orders
On his first day back in office, January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14168, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” This order redefined gender across federal policy as strictly male or female based on sex assigned at birth. It removed references to gender identity from federal documents, eliminated funding for gender-affirming care, and barred transgender individuals from using facilities aligned with their identity. It also called for a reevaluation of civil rights protections under Title VII.
What followed was a rapid-fire assault:
January 27: EO 14183 banned transgender individuals from military service.
January 28: EO 14187 prohibited federal support for gender-affirming care for minors.
January 29: EO 14190 barred schools from teaching “gender ideology” and authorized investigations into educators affirming trans students.
February 5: EO 14201 banned transgender girls and women from participating in school sports, tying compliance to federal funding.
The scope and speed of these actions stunned many and are now seen as one of the broadest federal attacks on transgender rights in modern U.S. history.
World Pride: Canceled Without a Fight
In April, organizers—under pressure from a Kennedy Center now reportedly influenced by the Trump administration—canceled a full week of scheduled World Pride events. There was little public outcry, minimal protest, and almost no media attention. A moment that could have sparked national and international resistance passed quietly.
Now Pride Month has begun—not with outrage, not with defiance—but with silence. No mass mobilization. No major public statement. No “radical acts of resistance.” It’s disheartening. If any community knows how to fight and be visible, it’s the queer community.
A Lost Moment for Global Nonviolence
World Pride 2025 could have been the most significant nonviolent action of the decade—a global moment of solidarity, dignity, and resistance. It could have shown the world a movement unafraid to stand for freedom and human rights.
Just last week, Lady Gaga drew a crowd of 2.1 million people for a free concert on Copacabana Beach in Brazil. Imagine what could have been possible on the National Mall. Artists like Bruce Springsteen and others have been outspoken about the current administration. Millions of people are ready to get involved in a cause that transcends partisan politics and confronts the destructive path we’re on. Elon Musk made headlines last week by resigning from his advisory role in the administration—reportedly influenced by growing nonviolent boycotts targeting Tesla.
The Violent Take Action. Those for Nonviolence Must Too.
The violent never miss their moment: Zelensky strikes with drones when he sees an opening. Putin bombs buildings when he sees weakness. Netanyahu seizes land and escalates violence when given the chance. Hamas attacks civilians when they sense an opportunity.
The violent are focused, decisive, and ruthless.
If nonviolence is to prevail, it must also be focused, timely, and bold. It must act decisively when the moment arises.
World Pride 2025 was that moment. And we let it slip away.
