For the first time in DC Pride history, the annual parade skipped Dupont Circle and instead headed down 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.
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Thousands attend 2024 Capital Pride Parade in Northwest DC
For the first time in DC Pride history, the annual parade skipped Dupont Circle and instead headed down 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest.
“For World Pride, we are expecting three million people,” said Sahand Miraminy, chief operating officer of Capital Pride. “This is kind of our last test before the big year 2025.”
With 14th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW much wider, there will be more room for additional people and larger floats than if the parade stayed on the traditional World Pride route.
Organizers said the changes to this year’s Pride celebration received high praise from a serving officer and a 17-year veteran of the D.C. police, who said the Capital Pride Parade was the most organized parade of the year.
“We have a very small staff, but it takes a few hundred volunteers to run this event over the weekend,” Miraminy said. “It really takes a village.”
Next year’s World Pride will take place as DC celebrates the 50th anniversary of when Deacon Maccubbin organized the District’s first Pride Event, which has become Capital Pride.
Coming to join Capital Pride
The Capital Pride Parade marches along its new route on 14th Street NW in Washington, DC on June 8, 2024. (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)
WTOP/Jimmy Alexander
Emmy winner Billy Porter spoke at The Capital Pride Parade in Washington, DC, on June 9, 2024. (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)
WTOP/Jimmy Alexander
Emmy Award winner Billy Porter and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff pose for photos before starting the Capital Pride Parade as Co-Grand Marshal on June 9, 2024 in Washington, DC (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)
WTOP/Jimmy Alexander
The Capital Pride Parade’s new route along 14th Street NW on June 8, 2024, serves as practice for next year’s World Pride celebration in Washington, DC (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander)
WTOP/Jimmy Alexander
There are many attendees who have made marching in the parade an annual tradition.
“I have participated in Capital Pride every year since I was 29 years old,” said Harry Brubaker III. “Now I am 57 years old.”
The Pennsylvania town where Brubaker grew up had a population of 200 people.
“The first time at Capital Pride was overwhelming because there were so many people,” Brubaker said. “And realize that you are not alone.”
Another returner to the Capital Pride Parade is Beverly White.
“I’m also known as Miss Chocolate White,” White said. “I’ve been in the LGBTQ community since there was only one letter, ‘L,’ and that was for me, lesbian.”
Of the 300 organizations that marched in the parade, groups included area churches.
“We want everyone to know that God loves you and made you just the way you are,” said Pastor Emily Skorupinsky of the United Methodist Church. “The Church can also love you.”
At most Pride events, there are moms wearing t-shirts that say “Free Hugs for Mom.” Miss Gilmore wore one of those shirts as she walked the parade route, pushing a cart and selling rainbow fans.
“I give mom hugs because I have a gay daughter,” Gilmore said. “I hope that if she needed a hug, there would be one for her.”
Lindsay Thomas had her arm around her 11-year-old daughter as they watched the parade from 14th St. NW.
“We’re here to celebrate everyone, not just gay people but the entire LGBTQ community and my family,” Lindsay Thomas said.
Thomas brought her daughter, Harper, from her home in Baltimore to spend the day together at the parade.
“We’re here to celebrate people who are gay,” Harper said. “At the end of the day, we are humans too.”
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