Organisers of WorldPride DC 2025 have issued urgent new travel guidance for transgender and nonbinary attendees, warning of heightened risks at U.S. airports and border crossings as the festival approaches.
The move comes amid growing international concern over the Trump administration’s ongoing rollback of trans rights and new federal policies that could impede entry for many LGBTIQ+ travellers.
Travel Risks Under Trump-Era Policies
The Capital Pride Alliance, which is leading this year’s WorldPride in Washington, D.C., has responded to mounting fears that the U.S. government’s recent actions—notably a directive requiring visa applicants to declare their sex assigned at birth—could functionally bar many trans and nonbinary people from entering the country.
Organisers now recommend that international visitors, especially those with passports featuring an “X” gender marker or documentation that does not match their sex assigned at birth, seek legal advice and carefully consider the risks before travelling.
Ryan Bos, Executive Director of Capital Pride Alliance, told officials;
“It’s possible that we may actually issue a statement telling trans folks internationally not to come, or if they come, they come at their own risk.”
He added, “These difficult conversations are happening because the safety of trans people must come before anything else”.
The warning has sparked a wave of international responses. Germany, Ireland, and Denmark have all issued travel advisories for their trans and nonbinary citizens considering travel to the U.S. for WorldPride12. Major LGBTQ+ organisations, including Egale Canada and InterPride, have either withdrawn from the event or issued their own travel cautions, citing safety and legal concerns.
Human rights advocates warn that the U.S. State Department’s new policy—signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio—could effectively deny visas to transgender applicants whose documents do not align with their sex assigned at birth, a move described as a “functional ban” by some legal experts.
Despite the challenges, WorldPride DC organisers are working closely with local and federal agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. The city has a robust history of hosting large-scale, high-security events and is implementing extensive security protocols, including pre-event surveillance, on-site law enforcement, private security, and advanced medical support.
What Australian Travellers Should Know
Australian LGBTIQ+ travellers considering attending WorldPride DC are urged to:
- Review the latest travel advisories from both Australian and U.S. authorities.
- Consider the content of your phone before travelling to the U.S. or acquiring a new travel phone fro your trip.
- Ensure all travel documents are up to date and seek legal guidance if their documentation does not match their sexassigned at birth.
- Stay informed about evolving U.S. policies and consult official sources for updates.
- Consider personal safety and make an informed decision about travel.
For more information and resources, visit the WorldPride DC Health and Safety page and consult with LGBTIQ+ legal advocacy organisations before making travel plans.
