Loud joyful cheers and clapping could be heard as thousands of people lined up along Naito Parkway near the waterfront on Sunday for the 2025 Portland Pride Parade – a festivity that some attendees said was more important than ever this year.
The colorful parade was largely peaceful. Some of its participants energized onlookers, asking them to cheer loudly as they made their way through crowds of people of all ages.
“Love always wins,” read one sign carried along the parade route. “The rainbow sheep of the family,” and “Proud of my stripes,” said others. Several dogs, a bunny and what appeared to be a duck participated in this year’s parade.
Amanda Kundert said “visibility” is what made her go to the parade. She said she wasn’t surprised by the large turnout, especially given the current political climate under the Trump administration.
“A lot of people are standing up and going ‘Yeah, we are doing this in defiance, and we are going to support our community,’” said Kundert, who is homeless and staying at a queer dorm at the Bybee Lakes Hope Center. “It’s nice to see people coming out in force to show their love for the community.”
Pride Northwest organized the parade as part of its two-day Portland Pride Festival. The organization’s first celebration was in 1976.
Under the Trump administration, the federal government now recognizes only two sexes, female and male. It has banned transgender people from serving in the military, among other sweeping changes and reversals of prior policies. The administration also seeks to end gender-affirming care for transgender minors and teens under the age of 19.
Trump did not issue a proclamation recognizing June as Pride month this year, nor did he do so in his first term, the Associated Press reported. Asked about whether the president would recognize the month, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said:
“This president is very proud to be a president for all Americans regardless of race, religion or creed,” making no mention of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Jamie Solomon, a young adult, said they’ve been attending pride parades in various cities since they were 12, but this year, they “extra wanted to be” at the Portland parade, due to the “current administration hating everyone.”
“It makes everyone less alone,” Solomon said.
Aaron Rider said the parade was “more important this year” because of current politics. He said it’s “ridiculous” to treat someone differently because of their sexual orientation and urged the community to “continue to stand up for what’s is right.”
“We are all human,” Rider said.
Clark Labitan, who recently moved to Portland from San Diego, was surprised by the turnout.
“I like how the community supports the whole pride thing,” Labitan said. “It’s very important to show support.”
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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