Vice President, Second Gentleman Surprise at Pride Rally
By June 14, 2021 0 732
•Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Douglas Emhoff surprised Capital Pride Walk and Rally marchers Saturday, joining them for about a block of their journey to Freedom Plaza on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Harris and Emhoff were clad in Pride-themed gear with Harris donning a “Love is Love” shirt beneath a pink blazer and Emhoff sporting a navy blazer over his rainbow “Love first” t-shirt. The move marked the first time a sitting vice president has ever marched in a Gay Pride event, according to several news reports.
The vice president was seen wishing people “Happy Pride!” and made a short speech, calling for the passage of the Equality Act. She also said the Biden administration understands the importance of advancing the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, NBC Washington reported. Harris specifically mentioned protecting the transgender community and LGBTQ+ youth.
“There is so much more work to do, and I know we are committed,” Harris added.
The march Saturday was part of D.C.’s annual Pride events. The parade hoped to “spread joy, resilience and pride,” according to the Capital Pride Alliance. After the march, a colorful “Pridemobile Parade” rode through town. In Georgetown, the Four Seasons was the scene of a Pride-themed gathering.
Sunday marked the “Taste of Pride Brunch.” Special food and drink items as well as entertainment were offered to help raise awareness and resources for the GivePride365 Fund. Organizers for Sunday’s events hope to bring Pride back to a full-scale celebration in 2022 post-Covid. They’re also setting their eyes on 2025, which will mark 50 years of Pride in the nation’s capital.