WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — There are growing concerns about whether new policies will limit the number of transgender people who will travel for WorldPride DC later this spring.
The international event, which is slated to begin in just over a month, is drawing excitement from the city.
“The pride parade we have every year? Think about it super-charged because it’s WorldPride,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
The city is expecting two million overnight visitors and more than $750 million in visitor spending. But organizers said there could be some risk for those coming from other countries.
“Many of the international communities are having challenges in actually being able to get into the country, through some of the processes that they have to go through,” said Capital Pride Alliance Executive Director Ryan Bos at a meeting with regional elected leaders on Wednesday.
Bos said his organization is considering a statement telling transgender people traveling from other countries either not to come, or to come at their own risk.
While he said WorldPride DC has so much to offer, he also told the elected leaders, “…also, acknowledging the state of the country and the fact that folks have fear and concerns.”
Multiple countries have already issued new travel advisories for those traveling to the United States, including some who cite President Trump’s executive actions on gender and are urging people who have changed gender or have the gender ‘X’ on their documents to contact their U.S. Embassy before they travel.
“Based on that conversation [with the Embassy officials, they] will make their decisions as to if they feel safe and comfortable proceeding with their travel plans,” said Lindsey Danis, a travel writer for Queer Adventures. “Events like WorldPride are very important. That said, the situation in the U.S. is increasingly hostile to LGBTQ rights and there are really legitimate safety and security concerns.”
Bos is encouraging everyone to have those conversations with Embassy officials, telling DC News Now this is not “a warning. It is really just making sure people have information.”
“It’s disheartening because [they are] part of our community,” said John Tanzella, the CEO of the International LGBRQ+ Travel Association, a nonprofit. “We always recommend travelers to mind the laws and mind the culture when they travel, no matter where you are… that seems to be the case for transgender, non-binary people. They really need to be cautious.”
