June 2, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
Happy Pride, DC! We kicked off?Pride Month yesterday by raising the LGBTQIA+ Pride flag at the John A. Wilson Building. This is a historic occasion?? the first time a Pride flag is flying outside of our City Hall/State House.?
The event was also a celebration of DC?s long history as a leader in LGBTQIA+ rights. In 1973, the District voted, ahead of the nation, to update DC?s human rights law to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation; the DC Human Rights Act remains one of the most comprehensive laws of its kind in the nation. In 2009, I was proud to be on the Council when DC was among the first states in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage, ahead of the 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationally. Since then, we've continued to make many strides in protecting and advocating for our LGBTQIA+ community, with dedicated housing resources and shelter, investments in workforce programming, and more. We also look forward to hosting World Pride 2025!
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With the Pride flag, which will be outside of the Wilson Building throughout June, we are sending a message to residents and everyone who visits Washington, DC that we are an inclusive city, we are a city that loves and values the LGBTQIA+ community, and we are a city that knows we are stronger when we stand together and when we celebrate together. We also lit up the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge in Pride colors, and it will be lit up again on June 10 and June 11. Throughout June, you can also ride with pride on our Pride Circulator, our Pride Streetcar, a Pride Capital Bikeshare bike, and the Pride Metro. We are, indeed, the District of Pride.?
I also hope you will join me next weekend, on Saturday, June 10, as we celebrate at the Capital Pride Parade. Register to walk with us HERE. Happy Pride!
Sincerely,
 Today, Mayor Bowser launched a community input survey and will soon host a teletownhall to gather perspectives from residents on their priorities for the next police chief.?
Residents can access the community input survey?HERE. The survey is designed to take approximately ten minutes to complete and it will close on Wednesday, June 14 at noon.
On Thursday, June 15 at 6:00 p.m., Mayor Bowser invites residents to participate in the teletownhall. Residents can join by dialing 1 (844) 881-1314. To view the event, visit mayor.dc.gov/live, tune in on Channel 16 (DCN), or watch on Mayor Bowser?s Facebook or Twitter. Register in advance HERE.
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 The Mayor?s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs invites residents to attend the Chinatown Community Festival. The event will include performances such as K-Pop dance, traditional Thai dance, and Indian dance, as well as family friendly activities like face painting, sand art, a photobooth, and a Japanese bonsai and pottery exhibition.
- When: Saturday, June 3 @ 11:00 a.m.
- Where: Chinatown Park (5th and I Street, NW)
- Register to attend HERE.
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 Truck Touch is this weekend! Bring your kids to RFK Lot 8 on Saturday morning to play games and explore over 30 vehicles and other equipment from multiple city agencies.
- When: Saturday, June 3 @ 8:00 a.m. ? 1:00 p.m.
- Where: RFK Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE)
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 The Mayor?s Office on African American Affairs invites residents who are passionate about food-based businesses to attend the upcoming Black Business Expo. The expo will include workshops with leading industry experts, potential suppliers, buyers, and partners. DC Government regulatory agencies will also provide information about latest trends, techniques, and tips to enhance a food-based business.
Topics covered by the expo include: introduction to food entrepreneurship, business planning and strategy, marketing and branding, food safety and regulations, and product development and innovation.
- When: Friday, June 9 @ 12:00 p.m.
- Where: Sandlot Anacostia (633 Howard Road SE)
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 The Mayor?s Office of LGBTQ Affairs is hosting events throughout June to celebrate District Pride!?
Spirit Pride Night Out:?Cheer on the Washington Spirit as they take on the Racing Louisville FC. The event is sponsored by Team DC, which is a charitable organization established to educate the LGBTQ community on the benefits of individual and team sport participation.
- When: Saturday, June 3 @ 8:00 p.m.
- Where: Audi Field (100 Potomac Avenue SW)
Capital Pride Parade:?Join Mayor Bowser and the Mayor?s Office of LGBTQ Affairs as we march in the Capital Pride Parade. Help us celebrate the #DistrictofPride!?
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When: June 10 @ 2:00 p.m.
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Where: Franklin Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs (2000 14th Street NW- Suite 101)?
- Register to walk with Mayor Bowser HERE
Capital Pride Festival: Join the LGBTQ+ community on America?s Mainstreet, historic Pennsylvania Avenue, for the Capital Pride Festival. Enjoy a full day of entertainment on three stages, food, drink, and over 300 exhibitors. The festival is the largest annual event in the national capital region and continues to be?free?to the public.
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When: Sunday, June 11 @ 12:00 p.m. ? 10:00 p.m.
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Where: Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Interfaith Breakfast in Solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Community: Join the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs and interfaith leaders for a convening in solidarity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
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When: Wednesday, June 21 @ 10:00 a.m.
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Where: Riverside Baptist Church (699 Maine Avenue SW)
- Register to attend HERE.
District of Pride Showcase at Lincoln Theater: Join the Mayor?s Office of LGBTQ Affairs to celebrate the District of Pride. The night will include entertainment and performances that showcase the diverse talents of the LGBTQ+ community.?
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When: Thursday, June 29 @ 6:30 p.m.
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Where: Lincoln Theatre (1215 U Street Northwest)
- Register to attend HERE
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