WASHINGTON − A crowd of hundreds of protesters clad in the colors of the rainbowgathered Sunday at the steps of the Lincoln Memorialto protest what organizers describe as a "coordinated, systematic attack" on human rights. The rally, which will conclude with a march to the Capitol, is part of WorldPride 2025, a global festival held in different cities and countries every year that promotes LGBTQ+ visibility and awareness. The event is being hosted byDC's Capital Pride Alliance, celebrating 50 years of Pride in the nation's capital. June isPride Month, which comes amid a seismic shift in federal policy as the Trump administration turns back the clock on diversity, equity and inclusion rights the queer community battled to attain. Organizers warn that decades of progress in all human rights are under siege. "Our fundamental freedoms − and our very democracy − are at risk," organizers say on the website promoting the rally and march. "And if we fail to recognize the urgency of this moment, we'll only have ourselves to blame. Resist the marginalization and persecution of people just for being who they are." The front of the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial was packed with Pride flags and flags representing trans and bisexual communities. The many signs read "Proud and Gay," "Trans rights are human rights" and "Gender affirming care saved my life." The rally and march, which come a day after a parade through city streets, will be followed by the WorldPride DC Street Festival and concert. WorldPride comes to DC:Queer community vows to be 'louder than ever' Kat Robinson, 34, an active service member, attended the rally and march to protest the Trump administration's move to force transgender troops out of the military. In the first days in office, Trump issued executive order barring anyone who is transgender from military service, setting a June 6 deadline for transgender troops to leave voluntarily. While she is not transgender, the 15-year veteran said she knows many transgender troops who faced the decision of whether to leave the military voluntarily or stay and fight. She said it is becoming harder to put on the uniform and "represent something I deeply disagree with. This is not why I enlisted.""I am enraged by what is happening Robinson said. "The language in the executive order was despicable and it makes me sick to my stomach." The activities took place Sunday under cloudy skies with scattered showers. Miranda Burmeister, 29, and Danielle Caldwell, 33, drove seven hours from Connecticut to Washington to celebrate Pride and their wedding anniversary.The pair, who run a day care and have three children, said the mood has been celebratory, though they noted that the Trump administration and its anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and actions have cast a dark cloud over the event. But it was an urge to protest that brought them to the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday."I wanted to fight back against the administration," said Caldwell, a social worker.Burmeister said World Pride has been uplifting and inspiring."It's nice to be around people who are like us and accepting," she said. Many in the crowd wore ponchos and were holding umbrellas as they danced to pop songs − including Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club."JC Cummings, an architect born and raised in Washington, has been attending the city's Pride festivals for decades. Cummings, 69, said this year's event is important because it provides hope and optimism in the face of "attempted oppression.""It's almost as if we're partying while Rome is burning," he said while holding a sign reading "Civil rights for everyone!""We're thumbing our nose at (Trump)," he added. Several speakers addressed the crowd, including local organizers based in Washington and those who helped put on WorldPride. At one point, a video message from former Vice PresidentKamala Harrisappeared on the large screens at the base of the Lincoln Memorial, bidding the crowd "a happy WorldPride.""Pride is a celebration and it is also a statement − a statement about courage, about community and about determination," Harris said."In this moment as we gather with friends and allies across the world, let us be clear: No one should be made to fight on their own. We are all going through this together," she said to an eruption of cheers. PresidentDonald Trumpmarked his first day in office by signing an executive order todimantle diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The transgender community has been a primary target of the ensuing directives. They incude moves to endgender-affirming care for minors,revive a ban on transgender people in the military, remove references to the community from theStonewall National Monument websiteand direct that federal agenciesrecognize only two sexes, male and female − affecting the ability of transgender people to identify on itemssuch as passports. The actions have led some corporate sponsors toend support of Pride paradesand prompted safety concerns for LGBTQ+ people traveling internationally to the WorldPride festival. Trump's 'bullying':LGBTQ+ advocates decry President Trump's actions during Pride Month "WorldPride is occurring at a crucial time, bringing together voices from around the world to support the LGBTQ+ community's ongoing fight for equality, visibility, and justice," the organization says on its website. "We encourage everyone in our global community to participate in this historic moment. By showing up and supporting Pride events globally, the LGBTQ+ community will be visible, vigilant, and heard." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:LGBTQ+ community rallies at WorldPride against attack on rights
