Pride Shows at Capitol Pride in Washington DC

Last weekend, the annual GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) pride festival, Capitol Pride, was held in Washington DC.   Each year, the festival draws about a quarter million people to the numerous events, street festival and one of the major highlights – the Capitol Pride parade through DC’s Dupont Circle neighborhood.

Capital Pride provides LGBT people and their supporters the opportunity to show pride in themselves, and celebrate diversity while acknowledging their contributions to the larger culture.

Other events include town hall meetings, interfaith religious services, competitions and numerous parties, all that brings the GLBT community together.

Washington DC’s Mayor, Adrian Fenty, who is up for re-election in November, personally greeted and shook hands with virtually every group that participated in the parade.  Numerous other city politicians and candidates were also in attendance.

A few of the parade’s highlights including the always high-energy and scantily-clad dancers, the DC Cowboys, the intense all-woman Batala Drummers and their Afro-Brazilian beat, and a gaggle of entertaining drag queens and female impersonators, including a Tina Turner who’s energy brought the crowd to its feet.

Images – from personal collection   ©2010, Jon Rochetti