As a generation of gay and lesbian people ages, memories of worse and better times swirl

ASHRAF KHALIL Associated Press
Jun 9, 2025
Jun 9, 2025 Updated Sep 12, 2025

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WASHINGTON — David Perry recalls being young and gay in 1980s Washington, D.C., and having "an absolute blast." He was fresh out of college, raised in Richmond, Virginia, and had long viewed the nation's capital as "the big city" where he could finally embrace his true self.

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Government-politics

Cloudy skies can't dim joy as thousands fill nation's capital for World Pride parade

CHRISTINE FERNANDO, JACQUELYN MARTIN and GARY FIELDS Associated Press

APTOPIX Washington World Pride — Participants carry a large pride flag Saturday during the World Pride parade, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, in Washington.
Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press

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World Pride The Silver Factor — Rayceen Pendarvis speaks June 3 during an interview with The Associated Press in Washington.
Jose Luis Magana, Associated Press

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Life-entertainment

Trump opened the door to the LGBTQ+ community. Now activists say he's their top threat

CHRIS MEGERIAN and JILL COLVIN Associated Press

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Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack

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Washington World Pride — People march Saturday during the World Pride Parade in Washington.
Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press

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