With WorldPride just weeks away, organizers in Washington, D.C., are walking a difficult line — welcoming the world to the nation’s capital while acknowledging the grim reality facing transgender people traveling to the United States under the Trump administration.
Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.
On Friday, the Capital Pride Alliance, which is producing WorldPride 2025, released new guidance for international visitors. The guidance urges all travelers—especially trans and nonbinary people—to stay informed, travel cautiously, and understand the potential risks before coming to D.C. The festivities begin on May 17 and go through June 8.
Organizers stressed that the decision to attend WorldPride must be made thoughtfully, particularly for trans travelers facing new restrictions on documentation and travel under federal policies.
Related: WorldPride 2025 expects huge ‘visibility’ march & rally in D.C. amid Trump’s anti-LGBTQ+ agenda
“We recommend that travelers considering entry to the United States make an informed decision based on the potential risks involved, as we, alongside advocates and partner organizations, continue to actively navigate the measures being put in place by the current federal administration,” the group said.
“WorldPride is happening at a pivotal time, and we are working to unite voices worldwide in support of our movement and our lives as the LGBTQ+ community continues its fight for equality, visibility, and justice,” the Capital Pride Alliance added. “Hosting this historic event in the U.S. capital – a place that has been so important to the movement – is a stark reminder that LGBTQ+ people exist and belong everywhere.”
Passports with an “X” gender marker remain valid for travel under international standards, but a recent U.S. State Department memo now requires visa applicants to list their sex assigned at birth — a change that could impact some trans and nonbinary travelers. Organizers encouraged all visitors to consult official sources and seek legal guidance as needed.
The WorldPride D.C. 2025 Health and Safety webpage outlines a wide range of security measures and community resources. It also provides updated safety information.
Related: WorldPride organizers urge global unity amid calls to boycott U.S. LGBTQ+ celebration
Organizers noted that Washington, D.C., has a long history of successfully hosting large-scale, high-security events and is working closely with local, federal, and regional partners—including the Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Capitol Police, and the National Park Service—to ensure safety.
According to the WorldPride Health and Safety site, preparations include pre-event surveillance, on-site police, private security, advanced life support stations, roving medic teams, aerial surveillance, anti-scaling systems, and secure perimeters for major events like the two-day street festival.
Workshops on safety topics—including active shooter response, NARCAN distribution, de-escalation training, and anti-trafficking awareness—are also being offered to both residents and visitors in the lead-up to WorldPride.
District officials echoed the message of welcome while underscoring their commitment to safety.
The Advocate sent a detailed list of questions to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office on Saturday, seeking the mayor’s direct response to concerns about the safety of transgender residents and visitors, the city’s engagement with the federal government, and what message this moment sends to the world. The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs provided a statement highlighting the city’s preparations and commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive WorldPride.
“We are proud to welcome more than 3 million visitors to Washington, DC, for WorldPride 2025,” the statement read. “Our government agencies are working diligently with community organizers to ensure that WorldPride is a safe, accessible, and bold celebration of our community. We are prepared and committed to supporting WorldPride events, including the Human Rights Conference, parades, festivals, high-heel races, sports tournaments, and more.”
Related: U.S. WorldPride organizers consider warning international transgender travelers to stay away amid escalating fears under Trump
The guidance comes after Capital Pride Alliance executive director Ryan Bos told regional leaders this week that organizers were weighing whether to issue a formal travel advisory specifically for trans visitors. That conversation sparked widespread concern, highlighting the unprecedented challenges facing LGBTQ+ people ahead of WorldPride.
Germany and several other countries have already issued a formal travel warning for its trans and nonbinary citizens traveling to the U.S., citing federal restrictions on gender recognition and documentation. Immigration advocates have warned that a State Department memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio could functionally ban trans travelers from obtaining U.S. visas, especially for international LGBTQ+ events like WorldPride.
Despite the risks, Pride organizers made clear their message is rooted in resilience and global visibility.
“Pride is a global movement,” the Capital Pride Alliance said. “For those who are able, please join us in Washington, D.C. March with us on Sunday, June 8, at the International March and Rally. Moreover, show up and support Pride events all around the globe so that we remain visible, vigilant, and heard.”
