Pride Event May Tell Trans People 'Not to Come'

Organizers of Washington D.C.'s WorldPride are considering warning transgender people, in particular those who would be traveling from outside the U.S, not to attend the event, over potential safety concerns.

Why It Matters

President Donald Trump has taken steps to unravel protections for transgender people, and transgender rights have been under scrutiny since his 2024 presidential campaign.

After his inauguration on January 20, Trump issued an executive order saying it is "the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female" and targeted gender-affirming care for transgender youths. The State Department has also reportedly ordered officials to deny visas to people if their applications don't match their sex at birth.

What To Know

WorldPride is an annual event which promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusion. It first debuted in Italy in 2000. This year, celebrations will take place in Washington D.C, with a three-week event that's set to be one of the biggest ever Pride gatherings, and marks the first time America has hosted WorldPride since 2019, when it was hosted in New York.

Now, Ryan Bos, the executive director of the Capital Pride Alliance, which is organizing WorldPride, has told regional leaders they are considering a travel advisory, in response to the policies from the Trump administration.

The Washington-area news station WTOP first reported the comments, made on Wednesday in a meeting of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government.

It reported that Bos had said it was "possible we may actually issue a statement telling trans folks internationally not to come … Or if they come, they come at their own risk."

In a statement shared with Newsweek, Bos said that, "We recommend that all international travelers understand the advisories that may be issued by their home country. We recommend that travelers considering entry to the United States make an informed decision based on the potential risks involved, as we, alongside advocates and partner organizations, continue to actively navigate the measures being put in place by the current federal administration."

Several countries have issued travel advisories for transgender and nonbinary individuals planning to visit the U.S.

These include Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Belgium and Canada. The advisories largely come in response to the executive order requiring the federal government to recognize only two sexes, and in a number of cases advise speaking to the U.S. embassy.

Some groups have issued their own warnings about the Pride event. Egale Canada, which is the country's biggest LGBTQ+ advocacy group has withdrawn from WorldPride 2025 over safety concerns for queer and transgender travelers.

In a statement shared with Newsweek, Bos said, "As the Capital Pride Alliance prepares for WorldPride in D.C., we also continue to work actively with the D.C. government to ensure the safety of visitors and residents planning to attend.

"Traveling with caution and educating ourselves is regular practice for LGBTQ+ people," Bos said. "We encourage all visitors to consult official sources and seek legal guidance as needed."

What People Are Saying

Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride Alliance, in a statement shared with Newsweek: "WorldPride is happening at a pivotal time, and we are working to unite voices worldwide in support of our movement and our lives as the LGBTQ+ community continues its fight for equality, visibility, and justice.

"Local officials and law enforcement agencies around the region are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone is welcomed and able to participate fully in this important moment for our global community."

What's Next

World Pride runs between May 17 and June 8.

Update 4/13/25 7:54 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Ryan Bos.