On Sunday, June 9, dozens of tents and tables lined Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, for the Capital Pride Festival, awaiting the day’s joyful crowd. As the clock counted down to the festival’s official start at noon, staff and volunteers were hard at work at the Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PPMW) table, preparing for a full day of celebration and community connections.
Even before the event began in earnest, early visitors were already stopping by to learn about our work, express support, join our network of dedicated supporters, and, of course, to get first dibs on the vibrant assortment of PPMW swag. As anyone in earshot could attest, the tambourines were an especially popular choice.
For the PPMW team, participating in Capital Pride is also about much more than fun giveaways, educational brochures, and email sign-ups. It symbolizes a demonstrated commitment to serving and promoting health equity in the LGBTQIA+ community — both during Pride Month and all year long.
We asked staff at the event to share their thoughts on what Pride means to PPMW and the communities we serve.
Madison Garcia, public affairs organizing manager
“My favorite thing about representing PPMW at Capital Pride is being surrounded by joy. Staff, volunteers, supporters, and all those participating in the festival are bubbling with excitement. The energy is electric and contagious and I think it’s important to immerse yourself in it — especially during such a heavy time in our world.
Our rights are constantly under attack, but we are still doing the work to advocate for ourselves and provide necessary care. Pride is a protest and our celebration is a form of resistance. It’s essential that PPMW is committed to being present for that.
Tabling at Capital Pride is also an opportunity for us to see how our work is impacting the community. Many people come up to us to share their stories and tell us about their experiences at our health centers. We receive a lot of gratitude for the work we do and interest in how folks can get involved. I always highly encourage volunteers to join us for Pride events so they can not only feel the joy too, but also see how their support is what keeps us going.”
Public Affairs Organizing Manager Madi Garcia (second from left) smiles alongside PPMW colleagues and volunteers as the festival begins
Aleia Mays, associate director of education
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of representing PPMW at Capital Pride is the opportunity to connect with the community on a personal level.
PPMW's presence at Capital Pride is crucial because it reaffirms our commitment to LGBTQIA+ rights and health equity. Pride events celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and as an organization dedicated to providing quality health care services for all, it’s essential for us to be there to support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Franki McDaniel, assistant vice president of policy and organizing
“The fight for reproductive justice is inherently intersectional. As a health care provider and an organization that leads sexual and reproductive advocacy efforts, it’s critically important PPMW shows up for our patients and communities to celebrate and fight just as often as our communities show up for us. The fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is a fight for reproductive rights; it’s PPMW’s fight.
People stop by our table to say hi, say thanks, and share their story, but more often than not, people want to know how they can get involved. It’s so heartening to know this community of advocates is so much bigger than any of us could imagine and, even in the middle of celebrating, people want to step up for themselves and each other.
The DC Capital Pride Festival is such an incredible reminder that even in the midst of the ongoing attacks on our reproductive rights, it’s so important to have these kinds of moments of joy."
Assistant Vice President of Policy and Advocacy Franki McDaniel (left) poses with Associate Director of Education Aleia Mays during the festival
Lena Thompson, community health educator, brand and marketing associate
“I think it’s very important for PPMW to be a part of Capital Pride because, as allies, we need to continue to amplify LGBTQIA+ community voices and do all we can to ensure all of our patients and community members feel safe and secure.
What I love about representing PPMW at Capital Pride is the freedom of it all — that everyone can feel free to be who they are and be surrounded by people who embrace them — and, of course, the fashion! It is always so awesome to see everyone’s creativity!
At the PPMW table, Pride participants ask questions about the locations of our health centers, volunteer opportunities, and what our health centers are experiencing, like if we are seeing more patients coming here from the Southern states.
To those thinking about volunteering at a future Pride event with PPMW — come! It’s so liberating to be surrounded with so much love and support!”
Join PPMW at Montgomery County’s Pride in the Plaza on June 30 and sign up to volunteer with PPMW at future events.
Tags: pride