Capital Pride returns to DC streets with colorful march, car parade

The Pridemobile Parade cruised through several D.C. neighborhoods on Saturday, bringing with it a much-missed celebration for the region’s LGBTQ residents. This year’s festivities saw a thick crowd of people turn out since last year’s parade was canceled amid coronavirus precautions.

“I feel proud just to be myself (and) seeing all these people proud to be themselves,” said one parade attendee.

The Pride March kicked off in Dupont Circle before making its way to Freedom Plaza. WTOP’s Dick Uliano reported that good vibes among marchers were abundant, as was the LGBTQ community’s characteristic rainbow flag.

“I can feel the happiness radiating from everywhere,” said another parade attendee. “Even though these are all strangers, it feels like a reunion of sorts.”

To Heidi from Fairfax, Virginia, the event was a chance to publicly revel in her bisexuality after coming out a few months ago: “This is the first time I really got to celebrate my sexuality, and I’m very excited to be here and be out,” she said.

The parade featured the official Pridemobile trolley, which moved through several D.C. neighborhoods and was followed by a colorful array of more than 50 automobiles decorated by registered organizations and businesses. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser gave a speech at the rally point in Freedom Plaza, as did Vice President Kamala Harris.

At the podium, Harris prodded the Senate to the pass the Equality Act, which would prohibit discrimination or segregation based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill was passed in the House in February.

WTOP’s Dick Uliano contributed to this report.