The Kennedy Center has canceled a series of events celebrating LGBTQ+ rights, originally planned for the World Pride festival in Washington D.C., due to leadership changes and a shift in priorities. Artists and producers involved in the Tapestry of Pride events discovered their plans had been canceled or moved, prompting the Capital Pride Alliance to distance itself from the Kennedy Center. The changes follow President Trump's replacement of the Kennedy Center's leadership, leading to concerns about the institution's support for LGBTQ+ events. Many affected artists, including Michael Roest and Monica Alford, have relocated their events to other venues, expressing disappointment at the loss of a previously supportive environment. The Kennedy Center has not provided further details or responses, resulting in a perception of the venue as a hostile space for LGBTQ+ artists unless a public statement of inclusivity is made by the administration.

The Kennedy Center canceled its Tapestry of Pride events for World Pride in Washington D.C., citing changes in leadership and priorities, following the ousting of its leaders by President Trump and the appointment of new board members loyal to him.

Artists involved in the canceled events, such as Michael Roest of the International Pride Orchestra, reported abrupt communication breakdowns and contract cancellations, resulting in their performances being relocated to alternative venues like the Strathmore theater in Bethesda.

The Capital Pride Alliance, disappointed by the cancellations, decided to disassociate from the Kennedy Center, reflecting broader concerns within the LGBTQ+ community regarding the institution's commitment to inclusivity under its new leadership.

Monica Alford, an event planner with a history at the Kennedy Center, expressed sorrow over losing a venue she considered a safe space for the queer community, as her planned events were also affected by the cancellations.

Concerns about the Kennedy Center's future as a supportive venue for LGBTQ+ events have been heightened by Trump administration policies on transgender rights and derogatory comments about drag performances, leading many artists to reconsider performing there.

The Kennedy Center's website continues to display a generic listing for the Tapestry of Pride without further details, and the institution has not responded to requests for comments, leaving the affected parties without clear explanations.

Artists and organizers assert that a public declaration of inclusivity from the Kennedy Center's new administration is essential before they would consider returning, as the venue is currently perceived as inhospitable to queer performances.