Washington, D.C. — Organizers have decided to cancel a series of events planned for this summer’s World Pride festival, which was set to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights at the Kennedy Center. The decision follows significant changes in leadership at the center and a shift in its organizational priorities. Several artists and producers involved in the Tapestry of Pride schedule, originally scheduled from June 5 to June 8, reported that their events were either canceled or relocated to different venues.
June Crenshaw, deputy director of the Capital Pride Alliance, expressed disappointment over the cancellations but highlighted the community’s resilience. “We are a resilient community, and we have found other avenues to celebrate,” she said. “The fact that we have to maneuver in this way is disappointing, but we are committed to ensuring that the celebration continues.”
Although the Kennedy Center’s website still lists the Tapestry of Pride events, it offers only a vague description, lacking specific details. The center has not issued any statements regarding the cancellations, leaving artists and organizers in the dark about their future participation.
The cancellations come in the wake of a complete overhaul at the Kennedy Center, resulting from recent changes in its leadership. High-profile dismissals included the president and chairman, with the latter being replaced by supporters of former President Trump. This shift has raised concerns about programming decisions and inclusivity at the iconic venue, especially regarding LGBTQ+ representations.
The World Pride event is a biannual gathering, slated to take place from May 17 to June 8, with various performances and celebrations planned throughout the city. Concerns persist regarding the environment for attendees, particularly regarding the administration’s stance on transgender rights and past comments about drag performances.
Michael Roest, founder and director of the International Pride Orchestra, saw his June 5 event at the Kennedy Center abruptly canceled just days after the leadership changes. He described having navigated extensive planning stages and felt blindsided when communications ceased. Roest received a brief note from the Kennedy Center staff stating that they could no longer advance his contract.
“We went from being eager to host our event to absolutely nothing,” Roest stated. He has since secured an alternative venue at the Strathmore Theater in Bethesda, Maryland, ensuring that the orchestra’s performance will proceed.
Other events originally slated for the Kennedy Center, such as a drag story time and aspects of the AIDS Memorial Quilt display, are now moving to the World Pride welcome center in Chinatown. Monica Alford, an experienced arts journalist and event planner, also faced abrupt cancellations. She had organized notable events at the center, including a drag brunch, which she described as her “home base” for the LGBTQ+ community.
Reflecting on the situation, Alford expressed sadness over the lost partnership with the Kennedy Center. “We’re doing a disservice to our community, not just the queer community but to everyone,” she lamented.
With uncertainty looming over the future collaboration between LGBTQ+ artists and the Kennedy Center, Roest emphasized the need for the organization to make a clear, public statement promoting inclusivity. “Without that, it feels like a hostile environment for us,” he warned, indicating that many queer artists may follow suit in distancing themselves from the venue.