Pride Parade commences in Washington
WASHINGTON (TND) — The Capital Pride Parade has returned to Washington.
The event kicked off Saturday afternoon. It will be followed by the Pride Festival Sunday beginning at noon.
The Capital Pride Alliance promoted the event on its website, noting that it was billed as one of the largest pride parades to take place in the United States.
"In 2022, a modified route will honor our history and acknowledge the evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Washington, DC, while respecting the origins and importance of taking to the streets in our fight for equality," according to the website.
Japer Bowles, who is the director of the Mayor's Office on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Affairs, spoke to WJLA ahead of the event.
"Many pride organizations around the world have either disbanded or stepped back. We knew that wasn't an option," said Bowels. "We are planning one of the largest family reunions this weekend."
The parade is expected to run through 7:30 p.m. Marchers will start along the U Street Corridor and work their way to Dupont Circle.
The following is a list of Pride events taking place during the weekend:
- June 11 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. -- Capital Pride Block Party
- June 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. -- Capital Pride Parade
- June 11 from 9 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. -- ReMIX! The Capital Pride Official Parade After-Party at City Winery
- June 11 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. -- Pride on the Pier at the Wharf DC
- June 12 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. -- Capital Pride Festival & Concert - along Pennsylvania Avenue between 7th and 3rd Street NW
Several streets will be closed to accommodate the parade.
The following streets will be posted as Emergency No Parking from 9 a.m. on Saturday, through 3 a.m., Monday:
- 3rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Madison Drive, SW
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street, NW
- Constitution Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street, NW
- 4th Street from Madison Drive to Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
- 6th Street from C Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
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