People took to the streets Saturday in the name of LGBTQ+ pride and rights for D.C.’s Capital Pride Parade.
There was fun, music and great joy – but also the sobering commitment to defending those rights, which the Human Rights Commission (HRC) said are under attack.
Indeed, the organization declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans due to hundreds of bills moving through state legislatures around the country which the HRC said amount to an attack on the community.
Photos: See DC's LGBTQ spirit shine at Capital Pride Parade
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Whether people came to march or just to support, they also provided a boost to the local economy, especially the restaurant and hospitality sectors.
Many businesses put out the welcome mat, or in the case of the Royal Sonesta Hotel on P Street, the welcome bar.
“We bought some barbeque and we brought some drinks and so far so good, I think the folks are really enjoying it,” Paul Devincenzo, of the Royal Sonesta Hotel, said.
Concerns over counter protests going beyond just protests didn’t materialize, but something of a party did. As floats broke off from the parade, some of those parties went mobile in the name of acceptance.
The parade ended just below Dupont Circle at around 7 p.m., but the affirming energy certainly continued.
