Transgender actor and activist Laverne Cox served as Grand Marshal of the 2025 World Pride Parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday. The massive event, one of the final highlights of the multi-week World Pride celebration, drew thousands to the streets, passing within a block of the White House as participants waved rainbow flags, danced, and celebrated LGBTQ identity.
A striking display included a rainbow flag spanning the length of three football fields, carried by 500 members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C. Congressional staff associations and members of the LGBT community from both the House and Senate also marched, highlighting institutional support for the event.
During the parade, Cox was asked about the Trump administration’s policies on transgender issues and responded harshly, using explicit language to express disapproval. The remarks came amid criticism of President Trump’s executive orders declaring that federal recognition of gender is limited to biological men and women.
From his first day in office, President Trump has taken a firm stance against gender ideology and related policies. He has publicly committed to protecting women’s spaces and rights, framing his administration’s position as a defense of biological truth and national integrity. The administration has also implemented a full ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within federal agencies, citing concerns over politicization and inefficiency.
When asked about the president’s stance on World Pride, a White House spokesperson stated that Trump is focused on “fostering a sense of national pride that should be celebrated daily” and emphasized his commitment to serving all Americans, regardless of background.
