Raha International at D.C. WorldPride 2025

This June, Washington, DC will host the biannual WorldPride celebration. Raha International, alongside a dedicated group of volunteers across the United States, is proud to seize this unique opportunity to amplify the voices of the Iranian LGBTQ+ community on a global stage. We have registered to march in the main parade on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with a delegation of Iranian LGBTQ+ individuals.  

Donate (GoFundMe)
Memorandum of Understanding

    • Happy Hour -

    • Pride Parade March - Saturday June 7 (register here)

      • Parade Staging Zone: Yellow - 15 (Enter from Rhode Island Ave & 15th St NW)

      • Parade Staging Time:  11:00AM - 11:30AM

      • Step Off (March time): 2:00pm; Raha's start time 2:30pm

    • Pride Festival - Sunday, June 8

      • Booth Placement
        Booth Color Zone: PINK
        Booth Assignment(s): P406

    1. Visibility: Demonstrate to the international LGBTQ+ community and the world that the Iranian LGBTQ+ community is vibrant, diverse, inclusive, and proud. We celebrate the freedom to thrive outside Iran while honoring our shared cultural heritage.  

    2. Solidarity: Represent our Iranian LGBTQ+ siblings inside Iran who are denied basic human rights and the ability to live authentically with pride and dignity.  

    3. We invite as many Iranian LGBTQ+ individuals as possible to join us in this historic march. We understand the personal, cultural, and familial challenges some may face, particularly regarding media coverage. The march will be documented by Farsi-speaking media outlets, broadcasting our message globally and into Iran. If you are unable to march, we welcome your support from the sidelines.  

  • To march with us:  

    1. Read and commit to our Memorandum of Understanding. A cohesive and united message is essential to representing the Iranian LGBTQ+ community effectively.  

    2. Complete the registration form here. PLEASE NOTE: We are accepting registration on a rolling basis and will start a wait list when we have reached capacity. Spaces are limited to 50 participants, with priority given for the first 35 spots to Iranian LGBTQ+ individuals. Spouses, partners, parents, and allies may register and be invited to participate if space permits. All participation is subject to the discretion of Raha International. 

    3. If you are invited to participate and your plans change, please notify us immediately so we may offer your spot to others on the waiting list. 

  • Organizing this event involves significant costs, and we rely on your generosity to make it possible. Contributions can be made via:  

    - GoFundMe  

    Please specify "World Pride March" in the notes. All donations are tax-deductible, and receipts will be provided. Even if you cannot march, your financial support helps us showcase our pride and resilience.  

  • For updates on the march, scheduling, and more, follow us on this page and our Instagram account.  

    We look forward to marching alongside you or seeing your support from the crowd. Together, we can make a powerful statement of pride and solidarity.

WorldPride 2025

Happy Hour (Thursday June 5, 7-10 PM):

  • You and your partner or a plus one are invited to come, have drinks, have some Iranian hordovers, mingle with other marcheers and bond with them before the big day.  If you have not received an email with the address, contact the organizer at irlgbtqdcworldpride@gmail.com or text at (424) 308-0827.

World Pride Parade (Saturday June 7):

  • The parade starts at 2PM and our marching time is at 2:30 PM. The parade will start on time.  Please give yourself ample time to get to the gathering location. Several of the organizers will be there as early as 10AM.

  • In the picture attached below you can find our gathering spot at section Yellow-4. 

  • The route is 1.8 miles. The expectation is that it will take us 2:5-3 hours to finish the parade. So please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. 

  • Please be prepared for the weather. 

  • Throughout the parade route there will be bathrooms and cooling centers and the ushers and volunteers with Capital Pride will know their locations.

  • Sharp items and guns are not allowed in the parade.

  • As it was mentioned in the Memorandum of Understanding and you agreed to it, we won't allow any flag, other than the rainbow flag and the flag that we designed for this event in the parade. 

Festival (Sunday June 8, 12-10 PM)

  • We will have a booth at the festival on Sunday and we invite you to stop by and visit us.  We will have giveaways and you can ask us questions about Raha and Raha D.C.

  • Food and drinks for sale will be available at the festival. At the end of the festival there will be a music stage with several A-list performers, including Cynthia Erivo,

  • The area of the festival will be fenced in with specific entrances that will have metal detectors. 

  • For security reasons, large bags and weapons won't be allowed. 

  • Please note: On Saturday and Sunday we won't be able to answer any emails.  You can text at (424) 308-0827.  We will do our best to reply as quickly as possible.

Our Gathering Spot

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DC Pride T-shirts
$20.00

  • 4.3 oz.

  • 100% combed ringspun cotton fine jersey

  • Fabric laundered for reduced shrinkage

  • Shoulder-to-shoulder taping

  • Hemmed sleeves

  • 1x1 baby rib-knit set-in collar

  • Tear-away label

  • Next Level Apparel 3600