STOP! THAT! TRAIN!

EMBASSY HOPPING

My Pride season starts in D.C. and ends in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and this year feels especially charged. D.C.’s dates were pushed back a week after Trump announced a UFC fight on the White House lawn for his 80th birthday, as part of the America 250 festivities. Not long ago, Pride in D.C. meant an invitation to the South Lawn, with President Biden hosting thousands, and a quieter evening at the vice president’s residence with Kamala Harris. Those days are gone. What’s left is the Capital Pride parade route on 14th Street, floats and marchers rolling past Thomas Circle toward Pennsylvania Avenue, the Capitol dome looming overhead, equal parts beautiful and defiant. Some of the most fun events, I must admit, are at embassies and ambassadors’ homes. Those continue. Then down to Fredericksburg, a small Virginia town on the Rappahannock River, an hour south of D.C., for the FXBG Pride March through downtown, Progress Pride flags lining the streets all the way back to Riverfront Park. Queer joy in the shadow of all of it. I wouldn’t trade it. —Christopher Wiggins
THE GEORGE IN DUBLIN

I’m looking forward to returning to Dublin this June, this time with my partner. Between dragging her on a Game of Thrones tour from Dublin to Belfast, I’m most excited to take her to Dublin Pride. The city has a rich queer history, and the locals are as sweet as Irish whiskey. Being gay was only decriminalized in Ireland in 1993, which gives the celebrations a deeper layer. You can feel that energy walking on cobblestone streets and past centuries-old buildings with flower boxes and rainbow flags in the windows. On my first trip in 2018, I joined a queer history walking tour that ended at The George, Ireland’s oldest gay bar. I met an older gay man, and we talked for hours. I don’t know if I’ll see him again, but I like the idea that I might. Either way, I’ll be back at The George, this time showing someone I love what makes Pride in Ireland so special. —Jade Delgado
GLAMCOCKS FOR LA PRIDE

As the resident circuit queen at Out, I couldn’t be more excited to return to GlamCocks during the heart of Pride Month this year! This year’s Mono Chromatica party takes place on June 13, which lands right in the middle of LA Pride weekend and perfectly coincides with Ariana Grande’s Los Angeles dates for her Eternal Sunshine Tour. This staple queer event brings the most iconic vibes as there’s something for everyone. The dance floor is on fire, gays are mingling all throughout the venue, and Pride is being celebrated at every turn. All proceeds from GlamCocks events go toward funding art projects, nightlife offerings, philanthropic efforts, and community workshops at Burning Man, so be sure to get your tickets before they sell out! — Ricky Cornish
RHODE ISLAND PRIDE’S ILLUMINATED NIGHT PARADE

One of the biggest Pride celebrations in New England is in the smallest state – Rhode Island — and its centerpiece is an illuminated night parade (June 20) featuring sparkling floats and glowing dance crews. I like to arrive early and grab a spot near the main reviewing stands, where local drag queens emcee the festivities. My favorite performers? The New England Pride Colorguard. This corps of queer flag, rifle, and sabre twirlers puts on an impressive show, and it brings back fond memories of my own days in high school colorguard. After the parade, my spouse and I will hit up one of the dozen or so block parties in downtown Providence’s gay bar district, affectionately known as the “Fruit Loop,” to dance until our feet hurt. —Kayla Gagnet
BRECK PRIDE

At 10,000 feet above sea level, Breck Pride (June 11-13), also known as “10-Mile Pride,” is the official Pride celebration of Breckenridge, Colorado, a quaint and charming mountain town that boasts some of the highest summits in the U.S. While known for its amazing ski runs and resorts, the summer is actually a great time to visit due to smaller crowds, flowing creeks of melted snow, breathtaking hikes, and gorgeous weather. When I was there in 2024, the Pride weekend’s events included a fireside chat with queer snowboarder and Olympic bronze medalist Arielle Gold; dazzling performances by local drag queens Jessica L’Whor, LuLu Krystals, and Khrys’taaal, as well as Drag Race alums Coco Montrese and Jade Jolie; and a joyous outdoor festival featuring arts and crafts, body painting, and circus performers. The intimate group of local LGBTQ+ community members and allies made it feel like a big, fun family reunion. — Desirée Guerrero
This article is part of Out’s May-June 2026 print issue, which hits newsstands May 26. Support queer media and subscribe — or download the issue starting May 14 through Apple News+, Zinio, Nook, or PressReader.





