June is recognized as Pride Month globally. I had the privilege of attending a significant celebration in the United States, which is a rare occurrence in our nation. This year, World Pride took place in Washington DC, marking only the second time it has been hosted in the US, the first being in New York in 2019. Established in 1997, WorldPride’s inaugural city was Rome in 2000. Amsterdam is set to host it in 2026. (I am ready)!
World Pride holds greater significance now more than ever. As the LGBTQ+ community continues to strive for equality, visibility, and justice, WorldPride acts as a potent rallying cry, uniting voices across the globe in support. The initiatives undertaken by our new administration emphasize the necessity of our ongoing efforts and highlight the importance of the global community coming together during WorldPride, where we will advocate for and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ communities recognize the power that arises from a collective voice. However, this moment also calls for unity beyond our community. WorldPride serves as a call to our allies – all those who champion our human rights worldwide – we require individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to stand with us and advocate for us as we confront laws that threaten to undo decades of progress. This is also why the choice of DC as the venue was so significant. First as a big FU to the current administration, but it also marks the 50th Anniversary of Pride celebrations in Washington, DC.
People inquired whether I felt scared or anxious. The brief response is yes, while the extended one is hell yes; however, I refuse to live my life in fear of our current administration and their abhorrent bullying tactics. I have confronted bullies throughout my high school years, so why should I feel intimidated now? Moreover, I possess too many exquisite garments in my closet to go back into it. Our strength lies in motivating individuals worldwide to become changemakers within their own communities and to enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals globally. Throughout my time in Washington D.C., I felt safe, secure and welcomed.
My companion on this trip was my friend Barrett Delong. We took a direct Southwest flight from New Orleans on Friday and arrived in D.C. that afternoon. We checked into the hotel, the Washington Hilton situated in Dupont Circle. I have a fondness for this hotel, having stayed there on several occasions before. An additional advantage is that Hilton was one of the primary hotel sponsors for the Gay Pride Parade and even organized a Pride celebration for their employees participating in the parade. Naturally, my friends and I befriended the staff there and received an invitation. This hotel is not only conveniently located near numerous LGBTQ+ bars, but it is also exceptionally welcoming.
After we dropped off our bags, we commenced with our weekend festivities, starting with the Capital Pride Block Party on 17th Street. What an incredible two-day celebration in the Gayborhood of Dupont Circle! The festival took place on Friday and Saturday, spanning several blocks of 17th Street, where all the LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, and businesses are situated. It was an ideal gay neighborhood festival, featuring numerous exciting elements, including stages with various DJs performing and pop-up drag shows. We enjoyed ourselves at this block party, reconnecting with other friends in town from NOLA – Beaux Church, Dillian Theriot, and Alicia Rose. The evening was filled with fun, particularly at J.R.’s and Commodore’s, two busy hotspots.
The next day, we gathered again and made our way downtown to the parade assembly area. New Orleans & Company had organized a New Orleans float for the parade, along with a NOLA Booth at the two-day WorldPride/Capital Pride festival on Saturday and Sunday. This initiative was designed to promote New Orleans and our overarching theme of “Everyone’s Welcome.” Our float featured an alligator from Kern Studios, which, in my subjective view, was the best in the parade. Additionally, the fabulous Bianca del Rio was on our float, promoting the city alongside Mark Romig, New Orleans & Company Consultant and the voice of the Saints. Numerous LGBTQ+ organizations from NOLA participated in the parade to help showcase our city, including the Krewe of Armeinius, the Gulf South LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, and New Orleans Pride Parade. I extend my gratitude to everyone at New Orleans & Company who worked diligently to ensure New Orleans shone in both the parade and our booth, especially Dustin Woehrmann. Riding on the float with Bianca del Rio was an absolute delight and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. She was a continuous laugh riot. I was aware of her popularity, but witnessing the crowd’s reactions to her on the float was astonishing. They went wild, and she was an excellent representative for us at WorldPride.
Our festival booth was remarkable and exquisitely adorned. It offered numerous selfie opportunities for all visitors, such as the streetlamp that can be customized with your own unique street sign, a Bourbon Street balcony, or even a fabulous wall of NOLA portraits where you can relax on a sofa in front. We were undoubtedly a very popular attraction. The festival itself was exceptional, featuring numerous brand and vendor booths, food and drink areas, and a free concert. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of seeing Kevin Aviance, CeCe Pennison, Kristine W, and David Archuleta. They were all fantastic, but the highlight was witnessing Cynthia Erivo’s (Elphaba herself) show. She delivered one of the most impressive performances I have ever experienced. She was incredibly charming and sincere, and her voice is simply enchanting. She performed several of her original songs from her new album, I Forgive You, which was released in June 2025. Additionally, she sang many gay anthems from various icons such as Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and Sylvester. Although she did not perform any songs from Wicked, Cynthia concluded the concert with her signature Elphaba scream that she does at the end of the Defying Gravity song. And to think she was hosting the Tony Awards the following night, which was astonishing. After leaving the concert, we returned to the hotel to refresh before heading out for dinner at Pikio Taco. Pikio Taco was an enjoyable restaurant with excellent décor and ambiance. We arrived late, but we received outstanding service and delicious food. The restaurant honors Mexico’s culinary heritage with a vibrant menu that highlights the bold flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly celebrating the rich traditions of Puebla. Their farm-to-taco-table philosophy guarantees that their dishes will delight your palate. They also offered some exceptionally fabulous craft cocktails, including the Pikio Margarita and the Pikio Maize Old Fashioned.
The next day, we delved deeper into the city before heading to the festival. We joined the NOLA Group for brunch at Founding Fathers, a well-regarded restaurant located in the George Washington University area. This popular local chain offered an excellent brunch experience, characterized by attentive service and reasonable prices. After enjoying our meal, we spent some time at the festival before visiting the National Gallery of Art, conveniently situated next door. Renowned as one of the world’s most visited art museums, it attracts nearly four million visitors annually and boasts an impressive collection of around 160,000 artworks spanning from antiquity to contemporary pieces. Masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Da Vinci, Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Degas, and Van Gogh are prominently displayed. We dedicated three hours to exploring the museum, yet we only managed to see half of one of its buildings. For those who enjoy shopping, the museum store is a remarkable find.
Following our museum visit, we returned to the festival and later ventured back to Dupont Circle, where we enjoyed the vibrant bar scene on 17th Street and dined at a quaint eatery called Sacrificial Lamb Kabobs & Wraps, which offers delicious, budget-friendly food in a no-frills setting.
During the following two days, we explored the sights of Washington, D.C., and its surroundings. On Monday, we ventured to Old Town Alexandria, a charming and affluent historic town located approximately 20 minutes from the capital. As one of the original settlements of Alexandria, Virginia, Old Town lies about eight miles from the United States Capitol along the Potomac River. Established in 1749, it is recognized as the oldest part of the city and has been designated a historic district. Alexandria emerged as a significant trade center, earning the title of the “Port City” of the Potomac by 1790. Notably, Robert E. Lee spent his youth here, and George Washington frequently conducted business in Old Town, even owning a residence for his late-night work. Market Square, believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating marketplaces in the U.S. since 1753, now features a large fountain and hosts a farmers’ market every Saturday. The area is renowned for its historic townhouses, art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks, making Old Town a cherished downtown destination along the Potomac River waterfront.
We began our day with a delightful breakfast at Dolci Gelati, where we enjoyed delicious bagels and coffee. Following our meal, we visited the Alexandria Visitor Center, housed in the historic Ramsay House, which was once the residence of William Ramsay, a Scottish merchant and the city’s founder. After exploring King Street, known for its array of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, we made our way to The Torpedo Factory Art Studio Complex. This former torpedo plant from World War II now serves as a vibrant hub for the arts, featuring six galleries and over 160 juried artists working in various media, including painting, ceramics, and printmaking. Wandering through the three-story building, I was captivated by the artwork on display, some of which I purchased, while also learning about the site’s rich history. Nearby, we discovered the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, which has been providing young adults with hands-on experience in woodworking and traditional boatbuilding since 1993. Their Apprentice Program offers participants paid opportunities to work alongside skilled craftsmen, equipping them with essential workforce and life skills. It was inspiring to witness these apprentices creating beautiful wooden boats. We then enjoyed lunch at Urbano, a trendy Mexican restaurant on King Street, where the menu featured a selection of Mexico’s finest dishes, including tantalizing tacos and unique Tex-Mex classics, complemented by delicious margaritas and an exceptional Urbano Bowl. We continued with a visit to the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, a family-run business that has been a part of Alexandria’s history since 1792, operating at this location from 1805 until 1933, making it one of the city’s oldest continuously operating establishments. The National Historic Landmark Museum boasts a vast collection of herbal botanicals, hand-blown glass, and medical equipment.
Our next stop was the Hollensbury Spite House, renowned as the narrowest house in Alexandria, located at 523 Queen Street. Measuring just 7 feet 6 inches wide, it is often referred to as the skinniest house in the United States. This unique structure has garnered international attention, featuring in various news outlets and even on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Built in 1830 by John Hollensbury, the house was reportedly constructed to deter loiterers in the adjacent alley and to protect his home from damage caused by wagon wheels. While this is the most widely accepted explanation, alternative theories suggest it was built out of a dispute with a neighbor or as a gift for his two daughters. Regardless of the true motivation, the narrative of a man building a house out of spite has solidified the Hollensbury Spite House as a local landmark, one of four such houses in Alexandria, all dating back to the 1800s. We also visited the historic Carlyle House, a mansion constructed by Scottish merchant John Carlyle between 1751 and 1752 in the Georgian architectural style. Notably, it is the only stone 18th-century Palladian Revival-style residence in Alexandria. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and underwent restoration in 1976, preserving its unique historical significance.
After an enjoyable day filled with drinks, dining, sightseeing, and shopping in Alexandria, we returned to Washington, D.C., via the Metro, a convenient and efficient subway system that I highly recommend. Once back at Dupont Circle, we visited one of my favorite independent bookstores, Kramer’s, having also discovered a charming one in Alexandria called Old Town Books. As a passionate reader, I make it a point to support independent bookstores in every city I visit. Later, we dined at Floriana on 17th Street, one of my preferred restaurants in D.C. Known for its Northern Italian cuisine, Floriana offers a delightful dining experience characterized by a cozy, romantic ambiance, exceptional food, and an impressive selection of wines and cocktails. It is a restaurant I consistently seek out whenever I am in the area.
Our final day was dedicated to exploring the Smithsonian, beginning with the National Museum of Natural History. This museum captivates me with its extensive exhibits, from dinosaurs and fossils to mummies and the story of human evolution, all of which provide a wealth of knowledge. It is particularly fascinating to witness scientists actively working on fossils, showcasing the ongoing pursuit of discovery. In a time when skepticism towards science and evolution is prevalent, it is heartening to see so many individuals eager to learn. We explored key exhibits, including the African Bush Elephant, Bone Hall, Hall of Fossils, Hall of Human Origins, Hall of Mammals, and Eternal Life in Ancient Egypt. As a jewelry enthusiast, I was especially drawn to the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, which features stunning pieces like the 168-carat Mackay emerald and diamond necklace, the impressive Carmen Lúcia ruby, The Hope Diamond, the Whitney Flame Topaz, and the Winston Red Diamond, among others.
Following our museum visit, we made our way to the National Archives to engage with our nation’s historical documents. In an era where certain politicians seem intent on undermining our rights, I felt compelled to view significant artifacts such as the Magna Carta, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights, hoping to appreciate them before any potential threats arise. Additionally, the gift shops at both museums offered an array of intriguing items. That evening, we returned to the airport for a late-night flight back to New Orleans on Southwest Airlines. WorldPride was a remarkable experience, reinforcing my commitment to never take our freedoms and rights for granted. To those who oppose LGBTQ+ rights, be prepared, I will loudly and proudly celebrate diversity and inclusion year round. You say you’re sick of seeing rainbows in June. Get ready because the my year long Rainbow Tour, spreading sunshine, rainbows and gaiety wherever I go.
