The Capital Pride Alliance Announces the 2026 Celebration Theme
Washington, DC (February 26, 2026) – The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), at the annual Capital Pride Reveal event, proudly hosted and presented by the Hamilton Hotel Washington DC, unveiled its powerful 2026 theme: Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity! — a bold declaration affirming the presence, resilience, and courage of LGBTQ+ people around the world. Grounded in the undeniable truth that our existence is not up for debate, this year’s theme calls on the community to live loudly and proudly, stand firm against injustice and erasure, and embody the collective strength that has always defined the LGBTQ+ community. In a time when LGBTQ+ rights and history continue to face challenges, especially in our Nation’s Capital, where policy and public discourse shape the future of our country, together, we must ensure that our voices are visible, heard, and unapologetically centered.
“This year’s theme is both a declaration and a demand,” said Ryan Bos, CEO and President of the Capital Pride Alliance. “Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity! reflects the resilience of our community and our responsibility to protect the progress we’ve made. As we look toward our nation’s 250th anniversary, we affirm that LGBTQ+ people have always been and always will be part of the United States’ history, and we will continue shaping its future with strength and resolve.”
“Pride has always been rooted in protest, and we are calling on our community to show up fully, stand firm in truth, and move forward together with courage,” said Marquia Parnell, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Capital Pride Alliance. “This moment demands visibility and conviction, and we must be bold in our presence, unwavering in our advocacy, and united in fighting for our rights!”
Join us for the 51st celebration of Pride in Washington, DC from June 12–21st! Events include:
| The Capital Pride Honors
The Capital Pride Pool Party RIOT! Opening Party The Crack of Noon Brunch 17th Street Block Party |
The Capital Pride Parade
Saturday Night Main Event Party The Capital Pride Women’s Party Cherry After Hours Party The Capital Pride Festival and Concert |
*Read the complete Capital Pride 2026 theme statement below.
Our existence is not up for debate. LGBTQ+ people have always been and always will be part of the history of the United States, shaping its culture, defending its freedoms, building its movements, and strengthening its democracy.
We EXIST Loudly. We EXIST Proudly. WE EXIST.
Our resistance is called upon. We claim our right as humans and Americans, to live freely and openly, in the face of tyranny and stand against anything that seeks to shrink our freedom or deny our dignity.
We RESIST Injustice. We RESIST Erasure. WE RESIST.
Our audacity is our collective strength. Against the forces that try to diminish us, we must remain bold, courageous, visible and heard, in a world that questions our humanity and challenges our rights. Together, let’s have the audacity to live, thrive, be joyful and Proud!
EXIST. RESIST. Have the Audacity!
About The Capital Pride Alliance
The Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), located in Washington, DC, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community all year long, through educational programs, major events, fundraising, outreach and advocacy, providing platforms for visibility, and supporting the work of our many community organizations and local businesses.
Visit www.CapitalPride.org to learn more about us!
About Pride365
Pride365 is a national platform with a local focus, designed to celebrate, empower, and connect the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year. By integrating media, commerce, funding, and community engagement, Pride365 aims to amplify LGBTQ+ voices, foster inclusion, and drive sustainable impact at both national and grassroots levels.
Visit www.Pride365.org to learn more!
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