International Pride Orchestra Triumphs Amid Controversy at Strathmore Music Center
NORTH BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) – The International Pride Orchestra, featuring American classics by Aaron Copland and George Gershwin, performed at the Strathmore Music Center to celebrate WorldPride, a festival advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Originally slated for the Kennedy Center, the orchestra’s plans were disrupted after former President Donald Trump vowed on social media to ban “drag shows” at the iconic venue.
With 1,166 attendees, the event boasted a vibrant lineup, including a performance of "America the Beautiful" by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington and a violin solo by Thorgy Thor set to Beyoncé’s "Crazy in Love." Conductor Michael Roest emphasized the role of the orchestra as a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially amidst the Trump administration’s policy rollbacks on transgender rights.
Organizers described feeling “disinvited” from the Kennedy Center, prompting them to seek alternative venues. Ryan Bos of the Capital Pride Alliance asserted that the essence of Pride is promoting an inclusive environment. The performance ultimately served as a powerful act of resistance against the backdrop of political turmoil, uniting artists and audiences in solidarity.
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