A group of Democratic senators rented space at the Kennedy Center's REACH to host a Pride celebration called 'Love Is Love,' emphasizing support for LGBTQ+ rights and arts, amid ongoing political tensions and funding debates surrounding the Kennedy Center.
Five Democratic senators organized an invite-only gay pride concert at the Kennedy Center as a symbolic protest against President Trump's takeover of the institution, featuring Broadway artists and emphasizing resilience and joy within the LGBTQ community.
Dupont Circle Park in Washington D.C. will be closed from Thursday to Sunday during Pride celebrations due to security concerns, despite local opposition. The closure was requested by U.S. Park Police citing potential vandalism and disorderly conduct, although city officials initially opposed the move. The decision highlights tensions between security measures and the community's historic gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community amid broader national challenges to Pride events.
The National Park Service will close Dupont Circle Park in Washington D.C. during WorldPride to ensure public safety, citing past disruptive behavior, amid a broader context of sponsorship pullbacks and political challenges affecting Pride celebrations in the U.S.
The Reading, Massachusetts, public library was evacuated due to an emailed bomb threat referencing a pride event being held at the library, but the threat was determined to be unfounded. Police suspect the threat was an attempt to disrupt the pride event, and are investigating it as a biased-motivated crime. The town of Reading condemns acts of violence and hate, and the library was set to reopen for normal business hours.
Police responded to a bomb threat at Reading Public Library in Massachusetts, which was determined to be a hoax aimed at disrupting a scheduled Pride event. The library and Town Hall were evacuated, but the threat was deemed unfounded. Authorities condemned the act as an attempt to incite violence and hate, emphasizing the community's commitment to inclusivity. The incident is under investigation as a biased motivated crime, and the library will reopen for normal business hours.
A federal judge in Montana has temporarily blocked a new law that restricts drag performances just days before Montana Pride's 30th anniversary celebration. The law seeks to ban minors from attending "sexually oriented" performances, but lacks clear definitions and could disproportionately harm transgender individuals and those who fall outside traditional gender norms. The ruling allows Montana Pride to advertise and hold events in public places, protecting their constitutional rights of free expression. A lawsuit challenging the law's constitutionality is ongoing, and a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for August 26.
Five members of the white nationalist hate group Patriot Front have been convicted of conspiracy to riot at a Pride event in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The group, which included the founder, was arrested in 2022 after police found riot gear and weapons in a U-Haul van near the event. Documents revealed their plan to form a confrontational column and engage in disruptive behavior. Rioting is a misdemeanor in Idaho, and the convicted individuals face up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, and two years of probation. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday.
A man has been charged with criminal harassment after posting a selfie with a terminally ill man on social media following an argument about a Pride event. The man consistently harassed a woman on social media and traveled to a palliative care unit to take a selfie with her terminally ill father. The woman had criticized the man online because he had called for Pride events in London to be canceled. The man claimed he had the "best of intentions," but others say it was an "intimidation tactic."
A man has been charged with criminal harassment after taking a selfie with a terminally ill man and posting it on social media following an argument about a Pride event. The man had consistently harassed the daughter of the terminally ill man on social media. The daughter had criticized the man's call to cancel a Pride event. The man claimed he had the "best of intentions," but others say it was an "intimidation tactic." The man has been released to attend court at a later date.
The White House denounced the behavior of several transgender guests who exposed their chests at the administration's Pride celebration, calling it "simply unacceptable" and "disrespectful." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the individuals in the video won't be invited to future events. The incident drew backlash from conservative commentators, while transgender model and activist Rose Montoya defended the toplessness as a celebration of joy and within the law in Washington D.C. President Biden spoke out against anti-LGBTQ legislation and had a message of support for the community, particularly transgender youth.
The White House condemned the behavior of some attendees at the Pride event on the South Lawn, calling it "unacceptable" and "inappropriate." Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that those seen engaging in the behavior won't be invited back to the White House. The event was billed as the largest Pride event in White House history and featured speeches from the president and first lady, along with a performance from singer Betty Who.
During the Pride event in Overwatch 2, two enemy Reapers in a Quick Play match stopped fighting and "fell in love" after meeting on the Colosseo map. The interaction was shared on Reddit and received positive feedback from the community. The event has been criticized by some members of the LGBTQ+ community for being underwhelming, but others appreciated the gesture.
Blizzard has removed a police car from the Pride version of New York City's Midtown map in Overwatch 2, sparking controversy among fans. While some celebrated the decision, others felt it was discriminatory towards police officers and threatened to boycott the game. The controversy is just one of several associated with the OW2 Pride event, which has been criticized for being underwhelming and not available in certain countries due to laws prohibiting LGBT content.
Disneyland will host its first-ever After Dark Pride event on June 13 and 15, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and allies with entertainment, food, merchandise, and more. Mickey Mouse and other characters will participate in a Pride Nite Calvacade, and guests can enjoy dancing, photo opportunities, and popular attractions throughout the night. Tickets go on sale for Magic Key holders on April 18 and for the general public on April 20.