Pride Perspectives on D.C. Streets
By • June 21, 2022 0 1962
D.C. streets were brimming with boisterous crowds, traffic cones and glittery party favors June 11 as the city hosted its Pride Parade through the Logan and Dupont Circle neighborhoods.
As predicted, the parade attracted some of the largest crowds yet, as friends and floats gathered to embark on the 1.5-mile route with music blaring, groups cheering and rainbow flags flying.
Council member of Ward 2 Brooke Pinto observed that given Ward 2’s particularly high representation of LBTQ+ residents, the parade is an opportunity to ensure that these residents, and all those visiting, feel welcomed and celebrated.
“We are so proud of our community for organizing such an inclusive event where thousands of people came out,” Pinto said. “We have to stand strong and keep fighting with our allies across the states so that they have the same rights we have here.”
She noted that the city must ensure that fees for such events are covered and that more permanent legislation should be passed in order for these celebrations to continue.
Theresa Nielson, Sales Manager at Long & Foster and native Washingtonian, worked with fellow Long & Foster agents to build a float for the parade and participate in Saturday’s festivities. With a diverse agent base, the real estate group said the parade was an opportunity to be a part of the community, and the participation stemmed from a regional basis with agents who chose to be involved, not from corporate employees or a top-down order.
While Nielson had attended parades in the past, experiencing the day from the vantage point of the float proved particularly special.
“I didn’t see one person in the crowd who wasn’t smiling,” Nielson said.
John Coplen, another parade participant with Long & Foster, enjoyed the day while clad in a tutu and suspenders.
“It felt like I had just come out again,” Coplen said. “People were screaming and shouting for you and every person on the floats.”
Christine Warnke, community activist and who works at the Office the Mayor, also emphasized the particular energy and crowds that exceeded that of years past.
“I’ve walked in other parades before, but these crowds felt the largest they’ve ever been, and I think that is very uplifting,” Warnke said.
Warnke views Capital Pride as an example of D.C.’s steps in the right direction toward being a more open and progressive city.
“As the capital, we are the illustration and representation of what can be done and how successful you can be when you have the underpinning of inclusivity and acceptance,” she said.
