Freedom to Be Myself
API Pride 2025: A Vibrant Tapestry of Unity
Our DC Metro Area Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community welcomes you to API Pride, during WorldPride 2025. Our tapestry of events honors the diverse, rich cultural heritage, achievements, and contributions of the API LGBTQ+ community and strives to spark us with the joy to thrive and create change in the world.
This Coalition initiative recognizes the often-missing intentional celebration of queer API identity within mainstream Pride events, creating spaces where individuals can see themselves reflected beyond the crowd – on stage, in leadership, and at the heart of the celebration. Through social gatherings, cultural showcases, leadership panels, and artistic performances, API Pride will weave together the diverse stories and experiences that strengthen our community bonds across both queer and API lines. Come be part of a movement that honors our histories, embraces our multifaceted identities, and ensures that queer API voices are heard loud and clear on a global stage.
API Pride is proudly produced by the Queer and Trans Asian and Pacific Islander (QTAPI) Coalition, a Capital Pride Alliance partner that includes AQUA DC, APIQS, Khush DC, KQT DC, Caribbean Equality Project, and NQAPIA, among others.
Tuesday, May 27 – Sunday, June 8
Various Locations
QTAPI at DC Dragon Boat Festival
June 14 · 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thompsons Boat Center
2900 Virginia Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20037
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
Join us at the DC Dragon Boat Festival, an annual cultural and athletic event held along the Potomac River during Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month in May. Celebrating a 2,000 year Chinese tradition, the festival features dragon boat races, cultural exhibitions, performances like lion dances, and traditional foods. The DC Dragon Boat Festival fosters multicultural exchanges by bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds, including local schools, businesses, and national & international teams.
For the queer, API community, this DC tradition presents an opportunity to proudly display our queerness on a regional, national, and international stage. Our QTAPI team will be among 1,200 expected racers, in front of an audience of roughly 10,000 attendees. AQUA DC’s Out2Paddle program has a legacy of multiple 1st Place wins in the DC Dragon Boat Festival!
Global Trans Asian & Pacific Islander Conversation: Where do we go from here?
May 24 · 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Virtual
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
This live Panel Discussion, hosted by Miss Trans Global 2020, Mela Habijan, explores how Asian trans people are affected by the political shifts targeting T’s and Q’s and consequently, how can we as a community move forward given the threats of social violence and identity erasure. This global panel will engage queer researchers and activists domestically and abroad representing perspectives from Thailand and the Philippines. We aim to showcase how Asian trans people thrive globally in their respective fields, solidify visibility, and promote trans excellence.
API Pride Drag Brunch
May 31 · 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Purple Patch
3155 Mount Pleasant Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20010
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
Brunch, a time-honored queer AND DC tradition. Join us for our Filipinx Drag Brunch with QTAPI – where the flavors are as bold as the queens! Sink your teeth into mouthwatering Filipino-American food that’ll make your tastebuds sing. Think savory, sweet, and everything in between – the food that is!
Take in our dazzling API drag performances from queens who are ready to slay your Sunday afternoon. Expect a room buzzing with laughter, killer tunes, and enough vibrant energy to power a small city. This is a celebration of API-Filipinx culture and LGBTQ+ pride, all rolled into one unforgettable experience. This event will celebrate DC brunch and API drag queen icons, significantly boosting our API queer community’s visibility in our broader queer and API non-queer community, highlighting our values of creativity, innovation, and community impact.
WorldPride Discussion: Asian American Representation in Film and Media
May 31 · 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
1050 Independence Avenue Southwest
Washington, DC 20004
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
In celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month and WorldPride DC 2025, we present a special panel discussion with the acclaimed director of Saving Face, Alice Wu, in conversation with special guests Andrew Ahn and James Tom on queer and Asian American representation in film and media.
20th Anniversary Screening of “Saving Face” and Director Talk
June 1 · 2:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
1050 Independence Avenue Southwest
Washington, DC 20004
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
In celebration of WorldPride DC 2025, we present a special screening of Alice Wu’s debut feature. Originally released in 2004, Saving Face is now regarded as an ahead-of-its-time landmark in queer and Asian American cinema.
Drawing from the Director’s personal coming-out experience, Saving Face explores generational tension, cultural clashes and sexual identity within a Chinese American family in the early 2000s. The film beautifully portrays the struggle to balance personal authenticity and societal expectations, all within the framework of a light-hearted romantic comedy. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the film, which to this day is one of very few featuring female LGBTQ main characters and a predominantly Asian American cast. As part of API Pride and AANHPI Heritage Month, AQUA DC are partnering with the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum to screen the film on followed by a post-show talkback with Director Alice Wu.
An emotional rollercoaster, Saving Face hits all its marks as a delightful rom-com and has influenced countless movies since its release. After the film, Wu will be in conversation with Shari Frilot, who originally selected the film for the Sundance Film Festival.
API Pride Community Welcome Reception
June 4 · 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
National Union Building
918 F Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20004
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
The API Pride Community Welcome Reception invites LGBTQ+ Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AANHPI) advocates, activists, and allies to gather and connect as we embark on the final few days of WorldPride leading into the WorldPride Human Rights Conference. Held at the vibrant National Union Building, located in Chinatown DC, this public reception is an opportunity to cultivate connections, celebrate the diversity of our experience, and empower dialogue that will resonate throughout the WorldPride Human Rights Conference.
Organized in collaboration with NQAPIA, the event is a light-bites communal gathering designed to strengthen bonds and spark discussions on advocacy, representation, and solidarity. API Pride Community Welcome Reception strives to empower participants to advocate for their identities with pride and purpose.
QTAPI WorldPride Social
June 5–6 · 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Uproar
639 Florida Avenue Northwest
Washington, DC 20001
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
Just getting into the city, or don’t know how to start your Pride weekend? Join us for a casual QTAPI Nightlife Social, coordinated in partnership with QT Nightlife and Naarak NYC, which embodies WorldPride DC 2025’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. This gathering provides a vital, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian (AANHPI) individuals arriving for our final Pride weekend. Presenting an opportunity for community and allies to connect, over light bites and drink while promoting mental health and well-being. Stick around for light food and drink, API DJs & drag queens, and a few special announcements.
Desi Drag Show
June 5–6 · 10:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sinners and Saints
2309 18th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20009
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
Join us after the QTAPI Nightlife Social to kiki with our Desi Drag royalty! Hosted by local DC queen Ani so Exotic, the evening will feature Abhijeet, Dcameron May, and Rae Oblivion and Desi DJs! We’re talking jaw-dropping costumes that shimmer and shine, dance moves that’ll leave you breathless, and lip-syncs so powerful they’ll give you chills.
We’re taking the rich traditions of Desi heritage and twisting them into something brand new and totally fabulous. Come ready to cheer, laugh, and maybe even shed a tear (of joy, of course!). Trust us, you do NOT want to miss this unforgettable explosion of glamour, entertainment, and pure cultural pride. Grab your friends and let’s get ready to slay!
Korean Queer & Trans WorldPride Workshop
June 6 · 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
Back to Our Roots: Reclaiming Identity & Celebrating Community. for Korean-identifying queer and trans (KQT) folks, Korean parents, and Korean allies to connect, share, and celebrate in a safe and empowering space in Falls Church, VA
Calling all queer and trans Korean-identifying folks (KQTs) — this is your safe space. To be part of this event, please apply now!✨ Connect. Reflect. Celebrate your story with KQTs and Korean American Rainbow Parent community. Applications reviewed within 4 days. All info is kept confidential.
QTAPI WorldPride Nightlife Party
June 6–7 · 10:00 pm – 3:00 am
Koi Lounge
1413 K Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20005
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
The QTAPI Nightlife Extravaganza celebrates the vibrant intersection of queer and Asian Pacific Islander (API) celebratory mastery. Coordinated in partnership with QT Nightlife and Naarak NYC, this event exemplifies WorldPride’s commitment to diversity and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community by featuring renowned API DJs and performers with regional and international appeal, the Extravaganza creates a unique platform for visibility and representation, addressing the often-overlooked experiences of QTAPI individuals.
This event not only provides a safe and inclusive space for API queers to party and feel seen but also contributes to the broader goals of community building and empowerment. As part of WorldPride DC 2025’s nightlife and entertainment programming, the QTAPI Nightlife Extravaganza aligns perfectly with the festival’s theme of “The Fabric of Freedom,” showcasing the diverse tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences. This event directly contributes to fostering a sense of belonging, celebrating cultural heritage, and promoting unity within the QTAPI community, ultimately enhancing the overall impact and inclusivity of WorldPride DC 2025.
Eid al-Adha for All: An Inclusive Celebration for Queer Muslims & Allies
June 7 · 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Foundry UMC
1500 16th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20036
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
Join Hidayah US and DC Queer Muslims, in partnership with AQUA DC and API Pride, for an inclusive Eid al-Adha prayer service in celebration of World Pride 2025. Taking place on Saturday, June 7 at Foundry United Methodist Church, this gathering will include a khutbah (sermon), congregational Eid salah (prayer), and a reception with light refreshments and community tabling. This event aims to create a safe space for queer Muslims to celebrate this important holiday together.
The prayer will follow an open arrangement where attendees may stand wherever they feel most comfortable, regardless of gender or sexual identity. This event is free and open to LGBTQ+ Muslims and allies, ages 18 and older (or younger if accompanied by a guardian).
All attendees must agree to the event’s safeguarding policies, which include a commitment to respect the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and a prohibition on audio or video recording during the event. Let’s come together to honor traditions, build connections, and share in the spirit of love and acceptance. We look forward to seeing you there! Then join us to march in the Parade afterwards!
Join QTAPI for King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony
June 8 · 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
US Capitol Building, Statuary Hall
1st Street Southwest
Washington, DC 20515
Brought to you by QTAPI Pride Coalition/ AQUA DC
Join QTAPI Coalition, the first and only explicitly queer delegation, to present leis at the King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol; an annual event held to honor King Kamehameha I, the first monarch and unifier of the Hawaiian Kingdom. This traditional ceremony typically takes place in June to coincide with King Kamehameha Day celebrations in Hawaii. The ceremony is centered around the statue of King Kamehameha I, which is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol and the only monarch in the collection.
After cultural performances and keynotes from dignitaries and the Hawaii congressional delegation, the statue is adorned with beautiful and long lei, symbolizing respect and admiration for the great king. All are welcome to join in on celebrating and highlighting native Hawaiian, and Polynesian culture, history, and ritual! This ceremony is attended by Hawaii officials, including members of Hawaii’s Congressional delegation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees, and state and county officials, in addition to other US territory delegates and DC officials.
*Registration required to enter Statuary Hall. Dress code: Hawaii Business Casual