Pride on Parade

In 1981, DC Pride expanded to include a parade. It was an immediate success.

Community organizations, clubs, bars, and athletic, social, arts and ethnic associations joined the parade along with marching bands and choruses, drag performers and “Dykes on Bikes” contingents. DC Council members, candidates for local office and even presidential campaign organizers joined the parade. Grand Marshals, known today as Heroes of Pride, were drawn from outstanding GLBT community leaders. 

The parade moved from the Dupont Circle area in 1995, leading the crowd through the city to the new Freedom Plaza site. When the parade was moved back to Dupont in 2003, some saw it as a retreat from hard-won visibility, some welcomed it home.