With WorldPride 2025 taking place in Washington, DC, organisers have issued a warning for international travellers, particularly those who are trans and non-binary. The festival is due to take place from May 17 to June 8 amid the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.

The Capital Pride Alliance, which is producing WorldPride 2025, released new guidance on Friday, April 11, urging all visitors to stay informed, travel cautiously and understand all potential risks before going to DC. Organisers stressed that the decision to attend must be made thoughtfully, particularly as trans people may face issues with documentation.

“We, alongside advocates and partner organizations, continue to actively navigate the measures being put in place by the current federal administration,” the group said.

“WorldPride is happening at a pivotal time, and we are working to unite voices worldwide in support of our movement and our lives as the LGBTQ+ community continues its fight for equality, visibility, and justice.”

The Capital Pride Alliance added: “Hosting this historic event in the U.S. capital – a place that has been so important to the movement – is a stark reminder that LGBTQ+ people exist and belong everywhere… For those who are able, please join us in Washington, D.C. March with us on Sunday, June 8, at the International March and Rally. Moreover, show up and support Pride events all around the globe so that we remain visible, vigilant, and heard.”

When questioned about the safety of transgender individuals travelling to WorldPride 2025, the office of DC Mayor Muriel Bowser told the Advocate: “Our government agencies are working diligently with community organizers to ensure that WorldPride is a safe, accessible, and bold celebration of our community. We are prepared and committed to supporting WorldPride events, including the Human Rights Conference, parades, festivals, high-heel races, sports tournaments, and more.”

 

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This comes after several countries, including Ireland, have similarly issued warnings to transgender travellers looking to enter the United States. Since starting his second term in office in January, President Donald Trump has taken aim at trans rights through a series of measures. On his first day back in the White House, he signed almost 100 executive orders, one of which declared that the government would only recognise two genders, male and female, and that they must reflect a person’s sex assigned at birth.

This had an immediate impact, as seen through the experience of actor Hunter Schafer. After applying for a new passport, the Euphoria star received her document with her gender marked as ‘M’, although she has been legally identified as a woman since she was a teenager.

The situation is also likely to affect Irish travellers as, since 2015, trans citizens have been able to apply to have their gender legally recognised by the State. However, it should be noted that there are still no provisions for non-binary people who may want to have an alternative to the male and female options.

With this in mind, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued the following guidance: “ESTA and visa application forms to the US require travellers to declare their sex. The US authorities have indicated that this should reflect the traveller’s biological sex at birth. Travellers who have an ‘X’ marker on their passport or whose sex on their passport differs from sex assigned at birth should contact the Embassy of the United States of America in Dublin for further details on specific entry requirements.”