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Kennedy Center Cancels LGBTQ+ Pride Events Under Trump Leadership

The abrupt cancellation of Tapestry of Pride programming for World Pride 2025 has led to event relocations and severed ties with the Capital Pride Alliance.

FILE - The Kennedy Center is seen Aug. 13, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
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President Donald Trump stands in the presidential box as he tours the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Monday, March 17, 2025.
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Overview

  • The Kennedy Center has canceled its June 5–8 Tapestry of Pride events, originally planned as part of World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C.
  • The cancellations follow President Trump's February leadership overhaul, which included firing the center's president and board and appointing himself chairman.
  • Affected events, such as the International Pride Orchestra concert and drag story time, have been relocated to venues in Bethesda and Chinatown.
  • The Capital Pride Alliance has formally disassociated from the Kennedy Center, citing disappointment over the lack of inclusivity and transparency.
  • The Kennedy Center has not provided a public explanation for the cancellations, leaving LGBTQ+ artists and attendees uncertain about future programming.