The National Park Service and U.S. Park Police have closed Dupont Circle Park, a vital space in Washington, D.C.’s LGBTQ community, for the final weekend of WorldPride. Although the official parade route does not include the park, Dupont Circle has historically hosted informal celebrations since the 1970s and served as a site for significant protests during the LGBTQ and Civil Rights Movements. The park will be closed from Thursday at 6 p.m. until Sunday at 6 p.m. due to security concerns, as stated by the park service, which cited potential violence and the need to reduce law enforcement presence as reasons for the closure.
The Capital Pride Alliance expressed frustration over this sudden decision, arguing that Dupont Circle is more than just a park and has been a gathering place for memorials and celebrations for decades. They criticized the lack of consultation before the decision was made. Initially, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith had requested a full closure back in April, but later indicated the park could remain open following community discussions. However, Park Police requested “anti-scale” fencing due to past incidents of vandalism and reports of unpermitted gatherings planned for the park.
As WorldPride events are expected to attract up to 3 million attendees, concerns have also been voiced regarding safety for transgender individuals attending from abroad, in light of current U.S. policies and the historical context of federal treatment of LGBTQ rights. The decision to close Dupont Circle is echoed by broader issues surrounding the visibility and recognition of transgender and queer identities in federal narratives and memorializations.
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