Dear Ward 5 neighbors,
Late last night, we learned that the National Park Service is proceeding with their plans to close off Dupont Circle Park during WorldPride celebrations this weekend. This comes after days of uncertainty around the announcement that MPD Chief Smith rescinded her request to NPS to close the park.
To be clear, this is an infuriating choice and I share many neighbors’ frustration and disappointment given the significance of Dupont Circle in DC’s LGBTQ+ history. This park is sacred ground—a place with a rich history of protest, pride, and joy. Closing it during one of the most significant global celebrations of our community sends a message, and the wrong one at that.
Nevertheless, the LGBTQ+ community’s joy has always been its resistance. Tomorrow, we will celebrate as a resilient, proud, diverse, and unafraid community at the WorldPride Parade, and I hope you’ll join me. Even in the face of repression, we are resolved to never go back to the days of hiding who we are, enduring discrimination, or fearing for our lives simply because of how we identify or who we love. We are here to stay, and love always wins.
This week on the Ward 5 Wave, I reflect on this past week of Council activity, including our vote on emergency legislation related to the tipped minimum wage (I-82), a letter that my colleagues and I sent to the Washington Commanders about labor agreements in the RFK Stadium site redevelopment proposal, tomorrow’s WorldPride Parade, and more. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts, or click here!
