### National Park Service to Close Dupont Circle During WorldPride Event

The National Park Service has announced the closure of the park at Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., for the duration of a major Pride Month event this weekend. This decision comes as WorldPride, an international celebration of the L.G.B.T.Q. community, takes place in the city.

WorldPride, hosted by the Capital Pride Alliance, runs from mid-May until Sunday. Despite the event typically promoting inclusivity, the Park Service, in collaboration with Washington's police force, plans to fence off the park from Thursday to Monday as a "public safety measure." Mike Litterst, a Park Service spokesman, pointed to past incidents of "destructive and disorderly behavior" during previous Pride events, including vandalism of the Dupont Circle fountain in 2023, as the reason for this precaution.

Closing Dupont Circle has sparked considerable backlash within the community. Many L.G.B.T.Q. residents and local officials voiced their discontent on social media. Matthew Holden, a member of one of the city's advisory neighborhood commissions, criticized the move, calling it "an absolutely appalling way to welcome the world to our city."

The decision is seen as particularly symbolic due to the park's longstanding significance as a gathering spot for Washington's gay community. While none of the official WorldPride events were scheduled to take place in the park, fencing it off represents a blow to the inclusive spirit of the celebration.

The controversy around the park's closure is not the only issue facing WorldPride. The event, like other Pride celebrations across the United States, is encountering challenges with corporate sponsorships. Organizers suggest that some companies are hesitant to sponsor Pride events in the current political climate, fearing backlash from the Trump administration, which has been cracking down on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Additionally, safety concerns have led some international L.G.B.T.Q. groups to withdraw from participating in WorldPride or other events in the U.S. this year. This hesitation, coupled with logistical issues, has impacted the event's planning and execution. Notably, Shakira's cancellation of her concert, which was meant to be one of the event's opening highlights, added to the setbacks.

As the city prepares for its Pride Parade, scheduled for this weekend with Mayor Muriel Bowser set to participate, the closure of Dupont Circle remains a contentious issue, highlighting the ongoing struggles and resilience within the L.G.B.T.Q. community.