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To kick off Pride Month celebrations, Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with D.C. Council members and representatives from Capital Pride Alliance, gathered at the John A. Wilson Building for the second annual raising of the Progress Pride Flag.

“As we raise the pride flag today, let it serve as a reminder of the progress that we’ve made, but also a reminder of the work ahead,” Bowser said in a speech to community members ahead of the flag’s raising.

Crowd members holding signs reading “District of Pride” and waving mini rainbow flags cheered as the mayor hoisted the rainbow stripes next to D.C.’s flag.

She discussed her administration’s establishment of a D.C. LGBTQ Community Center as well as plans to hold World Pride 2025 in the District.

The internationally recognized event is expected to bring over two million visitors to the D.C. area. It also happens to coincide with the District’s 50th anniversary of Pride celebrations.

“We will showcase to the world why we, D.C., lead in affirming policies, supportive resources and, of course, just how big we celebrate our community,” said Japer Bowles, director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs.

Bernie Delia is the former Capital Pride Alliance president and co-chair of the World Pride 2025 steering committee. He said it’s been a goal of the Capital Pride Alliance to host World Pride since its establishment in 2008.

“We have been working very diligently ever since (2008) to make sure that the celebration that we present showcases the best of Washington, D.C., the DMV and the United States of America,” Delia said.