Capital Pride Parade

For about three hours on Saturday, floats paraded around Washington, with the people aboard throwing party favors like glitter, bracelets and lube to those on the streets.

This year’s Capital Pride Parade, which honors the LGBT community, began Washington’s weekend-long celebration of 40 years of progress.

The parade wound around Dupont Circle and the surrounding area for a mile and a half and was part of a larger pride celebration from June 3 to June 14.

Floats and cars carried drag queens, provocatively dressed performers and pole dancers through the streets. A wide range of people walked alongside the vehicles, from babies in their mothers’ arms to older men and women.

Senior criminology and criminal justice and women’s studies major Brittany Hamson said she enjoyed the event, though she said it could have been more “outlandish.”

“It gives people a space to express themselves and a platform to voice things,” said Hamson, who identifies as bisexual. “We don’t [often] get the chance to, and [it’s] a positive representation.”

Companies such as Chipotle, Starbucks and Uber sponsored the parade and tossed treats to the crowd including headbands, Frisbees, necklaces and candy.

Chipotle handed out cards that asked “¿Homo Estás?” and “Which way do you sway?” Paradegoers could indicate either, “I eat tacos” or “I eat burritos.”

Rainbow flags rose above the crowds, and some people wore them wrapped around themselves as capes.

“I have best friends who are gay, and I’ve been surrounded by the community for so long,” said Kelsie Stevens, who identifies as straight. “Everyone should have the chance to be loved and be happy.”

Stevens, who showed support for the community in the form of rainbow glitter on her cheeks, said annual events like the parade are important, because they represent a movement for “people that weren’t recognized before, weren’t treated right before. It’s a movement in the right direction.”

Jimmy Mendoza, who identifies as bisexual, came from Northern Virginia to attend the parade in a rainbow speedo with a rainbow flag wrapped around his shoulders. Colorful bead necklaces that had been tossed from floats were draped across his chest.

“It gives people an outlet and reassurance,” Mendoza said. “I just like how happy it is and how free everyone feels.”

A number of churches and Boy Scouts also walked in the parade, representing groups not generally seen as accepting of the LGBT community.

On Sunday, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen headlined the Capital Pride festival concert alongside female R&B group En Vogue, ’90s pop trio Wilson Phillips and singer-songwriter Amber.

“[The celebration] puts us as a community out there and I think it’s amazing to see the people holding hands in front of everyone,” said Alice Friedman, who identifies as lesbian. “Nothing can [ruin it] because it’s our day.”