LGBTQIA+ Pride Recognition Resolution of 2026

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-171

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

June 9, 2026

To recognize and honor the LGBTQIA+ communities of the District of Columbia, to express the
commitment of the District of Columbia Government to support and protect LGBTQIA+
people, to condemn anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and other acts of prejudice, and to
commemorate Capital Pride 2026, which is hosted by the Capital Pride Alliance.

WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ communities in the District of Columbia have spent decades
organizing, advocating for equality under the law, building enduring communities, and pursuing
equity and inclusivity in all aspects of their lives;

WHEREAS, the vision and perseverance of LGBTQIA+ people in the District of
Columbia has generated important political breakthroughs in local governance, such as the
prohibition of discrimination based on gender identity or expression beginning in 2005;

WHEREAS, in 2009, the D.C. Council passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage six
years before it was legal nationally, becoming the first city to do so and the only jurisdiction
south of the Mason-Dixon line at the time;

WHEREAS, LGBTQIA+ people and communities continue to face violence, oppression,
and erasure in the District of Columbia on the basis of their genders and sexualities, especially
where they intersect with other marginalized identities;

WHEREAS, in recent years, there has been an increase in both federal and judicial
actions that restrict the rights of those in the LGBTQIA+ community – particularly transgender
individuals – through removal of gender-affirming care coverage, ban from service in the
military, and passport and identification restrictions;

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia steadfastly continues to show support for
LGBTQIA+ communities with actions such as a $2 million investment in the DC LGBTQ+

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Community Center to build their new facility, which provides health, wellness, and personal
security services, among many others;

WHEREAS, recognizing the devastating effect the HIV/AIDS epidemic had on
LGBTQIA+ communities, the District of Columbia has made remarkable progress in combating
the spread of HIV – reporting the lowest annual total of new HIV cases since the 1990s;

WHEREAS, in furtherance of the aim to combat HIV, the D.C. Council unanimously
passed the PrEP DC Amendment Act of 2026, which prohibits cost sharing, prior authorization,
or medically unnecessary restrictions on HIV prevention services, and prohibits health insurers
from factoring the use of HIV prevention treatment in decisions related to disability, life, or
long-term care insurance policies;

WHEREAS, there remains an undeniable need for the support and upliftment of
LGBTQIA+ communities to ensure their continued ability to thrive and live freely;

WHEREAS, the Capital Pride Alliance marks the 51st annual celebration of Capital Pride
with the 2026 theme: “Exist. Resist. Have the Audacity!” – a bold declaration affirming the
presence, resilience, and courage of LGBTQIA+ people around the world;

WHEREAS, the Capital Pride Alliance will mark this celebration with several events
beginning on June 12, 2026, with the Capital Pride Parade taking place on June 20, 2026, and
culminating with the Capital Pride Festival and Concert on June 21, 2026; and

WHEREAS, the Capital Pride Alliance 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 LGBTQIA+ community.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That
this resolution be cited as the “LGBTQIA+ Pride Recognition Resolution of 2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the contributions
of the LGBTQIA+ communities to the District of Columbia and commemorates the 51st annual
Capital Pride celebration.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.