Bermuda was represented at a “defiant and deeply affirming” rally in Washington on Saturday attended by tens of thousands of people gathered to celebrate gay rights.

The US capital was decked out in rainbow-coloured flags, the symbol of the LGBTQ+ movement, as crowds gathered to mark World Pride 2025.

A contingent of 17 Bermudians took part in the parade, which is held every two years.

Joshua Samuels, the executive director of OutBermuda, the charity that organised the participation of Bermuda, said it was important that the island was “visible” at the global event and that its participation was “meaningful”.

Mr Samuels said: “Bermuda can sometimes feel isolated from global movements for justice and equality, so being present allowed us to build solidarity, represent our island’s unique context and connect with others working towards similar goals.

“It also affirmed that LGBTQ+ Bermudians are part of a global community committed to progress. As a team, we return home with new ideas, stronger relationships and a renewed sense of mission.”

Asked whether the event would help Bermuda move ahead with equal rights legislation for the LGBTQ+ community — the Government has blocked moves to legalise gay marriage on the island — Mr Samuels said: “Yes, legislative change is still needed.

“OutBermuda’s policy manifesto outlines several key priorities including protecting gender identity under the Human Rights Act, restoring marriage equality, ensuring inclusive education and expanding access to affirming healthcare.

“Celebrating Pride is important but real inclusion also means real policy change. We hope the Government will take seriously the calls from our community and work alongside us to create a fairer Bermuda for all.

“The opposite of pride is shame and there is still so much shame in Bermuda surrounding sexuality and gender identity, especially when it comes to queer people.

“That shame creates silence. It forces people to hide, to shrink, to deny parts of themselves just to feel safe or accepted. That takes a deep toll on the mental, emotional and spiritual health of LGBTQ+ Bermudians.

“Pride is not about arrogance. It’s about truth. It’s about healing. It’s about saying ‘I deserve to be seen and loved as I am’.

“Pride affirms that queer identity is not something to overcome, it is a beautiful gift. A gift to ourselves and a gift to all of Bermuda.

“This experience reminded us that Pride isn’t just a party — it’s protest. It’s presence. It’s possibility. And Bermuda has something powerful to contribute to that global story.”

Some international organisations boycotted the event in protest at what they saw as a pushback of gay rights in the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump.

Although Mr Samuels sympathised with that view, he said Bermuda had more to gain by taking part.

He said: “We respect that some groups chose to protest by not attending and we share concerns about the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights in the US.

“That said, we made a conscious decision to attend as an act of visibility and solidarity. For many small-island nations like ours, these moments are rare and powerful. We chose to show up for ourselves, for our youth and for those who cannot be out or visible at home.”

Sara Corday, an OutBermuda director, added: “I believe it’s vital for our island to be represented at World Pride. It shows that Bermuda is part of the global movement for equality and inclusion, and it gives our community the opportunity to be visible on an international stage.

“Representation matters, and by showing up, we’re sharing Bermuda’s story while standing in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people around the world.”

Zakiya Johnson Lord, one of the cofounders of the group, took part in Saturday’s parade, and noted how Bermuda’s role in the campaign for LGBTQ+ rights was being acknowledged outside the island.

She said: “A few folks even came up to mention OutBermuda’s past work. That kind of recognition, in a space this big, meant a lot.

“Celebration alone doesn’t change hearts and minds but visibility matters. Being here was a reminder that even from a small country, we can show up, be seen and help move the needle towards justice.”

Another participant, Christopher Douglas, said he felt proud to represent Bermuda at the event.

He said: “I am still in awe to have seen hundreds of people lining the streets of DC, with so many shouting ‘Bermuda’.

“It was just an incredible and unforgettable experience. I’m extremely grateful to be a part of OutBermuda and to our sponsors to have been afforded this opportunity that I will never forget.”