Capital Pride board member Vernon Wall still remembers when Miley Cyrus stood her ground at Capital Pride in 2017 during the first Trump Administration.

“She said, ‘I promised that when this person was elected, I was never going to do ‘Party in the USA’ ever again,’” Wall said. “She said, ‘Standing in front of the Capitol, right now, on this stage, I’m going to do it because I really want people to know that we are the USA and we are important.’”

Seven years later, the stage is bigger, and so is the message. More than 3 million are expected to come to D.C. for World Pride. But Pride in the District has always been about more than parties and flags.

This year, it will be a of the past and present of the LGBTQ+ community from May 17 to June 8.

“I want to make sure that people know that Pride began as a protest, but it’s also a celebration,” Wall said. “It’s not either-or. And I think that sometimes we move into this dynamic of is it a Pride or are we celebrating? It’s both, and we want people to do both.”

In a charged political climate, he’s heard extra worries from international travelers.

“We’re always responding and saying, ‘Of all places to come when there’s such unrest and discomfort, D.C. is the place to be because we handle marches and protests all the time,’” Wall said. “I feel probably the safest coming here for Pride than I would any other place.”

But he knows the political conversation is ever evolving.

“Now, if you ask me this tomorrow, that may be a different story, or in an hour when a tweet comes out,” Wall said. “Who knows? But right now, we’re feeling good.”

Dupont Circle ANC commissioner Vincent Slatt said he’s heard some concern due to that have been enacted and threatened.

“While it might scare away some people who wanted to come for a party, I think it’s going to attract a lot more that want to come for a protest,” Slatt said. “The history of Pride is that it’s both a party and a protest.” 

He said this isn’t a new concept.

“I study gay history, and so I know that we’ve had hard times before,” Slatt said. “This isn’t the first unfriendly administration that we’ve had to deal with, and when we look back at our history, we can see lots and lots and lots of our elders battle, and many times they won. Many times they lost.”

World Pride will include a human rights conference, rally, march, parade, street festival and sports fest.

World Pride 2025 is set to be one of the biggest celebrations of the LGBTQIA+ community this year

From performers to events and how to get tickets, here’s everything you need to know

— GAY TIMES (@gaytimes)

president Bob Witeck has seen Capital Pride serve as the voice of the nation’s capital for 30 years as a volunteer and past honoree. Now, he’s excited for it to host the world.

“They had taken on this enormous obligation to present to the world the face of Pride in the United States,” Witeck said. “Of course, that means a lot of partners, corporations, governments and volunteers trying to make it as positive of a celebration as we can.”

However, he’s not as optimistic as he once was about the turnout.

“I fear that globally, that visitor audience is going to be smaller than we hoped,” Witeck said. “A lot of queer people living in Europe and all over the world are a little anxious about coming to the United States, not feeling like they’ll get a full feeling of safety and respect.” 

Our obligation as Americans?

“We have to make sure that the spaces we’re gonna offer them, the programs we’re going to have and the events that we celebrate are going to be safe, respectful and full of positivity and joy,” Witeck said.

The change in administration has eliminated some Pride venues, like the Kennedy Center.

A week of LGBT events scheduled for this summer’s World Pride festival at the has been canceled, following a leadership change and new priorities at the renowned cultural institution, according to organizers and artists involved.

— NTD News (@NTDNews)

“But also, it has created that sense of risk and vulnerability that people feel,” Witeck said.

He also said the political turnover will make attendees more outspoken.

“People are feeling emboldened to feel visible and to stand up,” Witeck said. “I think it’s changing in a certain way, the militancy and the purpose of being at Pride. It’s not just a party; it never has been just a party, but it has been far more celebratory than serious.”

There will also be unofficial programming around D.C. in neighborhoods like Logan Circle, Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle. The owner of two local gay and lesbian bars plans to entertain guests both inside his venue and as they wait in line.

“I hired a couple of RuPaul’s Drag Race girls to just go outside and talk to people and hang out with them so they aren’t bored in line,” said Dave Peruzza, owner of Pitchers and a League of Her Own. “I always feel like the worst thing about Prides is waiting in lines.”

He looks forward to seeing the statement that the event will make.

“I don’t know if he who shall not be mentioned is going to do something on the Mall, but the permits have already been issued for Pride, and D.C. issues the permits for streets, so he can’t do anything about that,” Peruzza said.

Peruzza also believes visitors should be rest assured that they’ll be safe here in D.C.

“Our mayor is very pro-gay,” Peruzza said. “Our council’s very pro-gay. You are safe here. Just come and have a good time, and don’t listen to what a couple of naysayers are going to say online. Just come and have a good time. We’ll keep you safe.”

On Saturday, we joined Trans Pride Washington DC for ! A day full of impactful panels, sharing community resources, and giving Trans and Non-binary leaders their flowers.

Drop a if you enjoyed Trans Pride this weekend

— Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs #DistrictofPride (@DCLGBTQ)

Security is top of mind for visitors and officials alike. The Metropolitan Police Department did not make a representative available for an interview. However, they shared this statement:

“The MPD is working closely with our local, state and federal partners as we prepare for World Pride 2025.”

“While there are no known threats to World Pride 2025, we always encourage the public to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something.”

“We’re a lot safer here in this city than we are in other states across the country and around the globe,” Slatt said.

D.C. isn’t just a host; it’s the movement’s backdrop. It’s where LGBTQ+ Americans in 1965. For some, it’s still home base.

An exhibit from the on display in during World Pride aims to deliver this message.

“I believe in the power of history to really explain what happens and how we got to where we are and hopefully influence us where we’re going,” said Slatt, who’s also the Rainbow History Project’s curator. “Understanding the battles of the past can really help us win the battles of the future.”

From protest to parade, organizers and attendees are ready to create history in motion and show the world how far D.C. has come.

“You have a sense of, ‘I belong,’” Witeck said. “To me, looking up to those institutions and monuments reminds us that we’re part of America and an integral part, a very important part of America. We’re not outsiders.”

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As Nationals fans celebrate the start of another baseball season, the streets of Navy Yard have already seen an increase in foot traffic.

For nearby businesses, the boost is good for more than just atmosphere — it brings a financial win as well.

Bluejacket, a nearby restaurant and brewery, saw a 50% increase in sales opening weekend.

“Baseball is always a big influx for us,” Bluejacket general manager David Delaplaine said. “This year has certainly been even moreso, I’d say so far. … Between it being the Phillies for the home opener and it just being beautiful weather, cherry blossoms, all that, it was a bit busier.”

That 50% increase, however, tends to be the peak for Bluejacket. Delaplaine said the restaurant expects a consistent 10 to 20% increase in sales on game days throughout the season.

All-Purpose Pizzeria, another Navy Yard game day spot, has also seen the benefits of baseball’s return.

“It’s been fantastic,” All-Purpose Pizzeria general manager Leon Kent said. “… It was overnight. The streets were packed.”

The Nationals are averaging nearly 32,000 fans per game so far this season. Local restaurants have prepared accordingly. 

“If you know what you need by certain dates, just kind of hitting those markers as it comes closer and closer to the date, theoretically by Thursday, or opening day, you are ready to go,” Kent said.

Still, some fans prefer to eat inside the stadium.

“I like going inside the stadium and [mingling] around on the inside,” Nationals fan Godfrey Williams said. “I was just deciding on what we [were] going to have for dinner here.”

The Nationals’ next home game is set for April 22 at 6:45 p.m. against the Baltimore Orioles.

“It’s a beautiful day, and I’m glad that baseball season started back,” Williams said.

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Nesse is skeptical about Trump’s reelection and is among the 70% of Norwegians who , according to Statista.

“The most concerning part is that Trump brings a more uncertain world, and I believe almost all democratic countries need certainty,” Nesse said. “They need to not rely on the United States.”

Two prominent following this year’s U.S. election are higher tariffs that could result in a trade war and security concerns relating to NATO, according to Norwegian political science experts.

“I think that if you are to draw anything positive out of this really miserable situation [of Trump’s election], it is that we might get the realization we need to take more responsibility for our own security, our own economic security, our own health security and our own independence,” Nesse said.

Despite skepticism, Einar Berntzen, a University of Bergen political science professor, said it’s in Norway’s best interest to maintain positive relationships with the U.S., regardless of who leads it.

“Since FDR’s famous [on Sept. 16, 1942], the U.S. has been and remains Norway’s closest and most important ally,” Berntzen said.

Additionally, Norwegian writer, researcher and teacher Aaron John Spitzer said Norway looks westward to the U.S. for trade and cultural influence.

“Norway is a big NATO country, so on a practical level, U.S. international relations actually have the ability to impact Norway,” Spitzer said. “But I think more than anything, it’s a cultural orientation.”

A protectionist mindset

Trump’s threat to unilaterally impose a blanket tariff on U.S. trade partners might unleash a “tit-for-tat” trade war, Berntzen said.

“[The trade war] will wreak havoc on international trade and supply chains that would also affect the small and open economy of Norway,” Berntzen said.

Stein Kuhnle, a political scientist at the University of Bergen, said his main concern following the election is the Trump-imposed new isolationism and how it will hinder trade with Norway, Europe and transatlantic regions.

“I think there is more concern about the future of American democracy and fear about the U.S. moving in a more authoritarian direction,” Kuhnle said.

‘An aggressive and dangerous neighbor’

Norwegians like Berntzen are concerned that Trump will create a peace treaty with Russian President Vladimir Putin behind Ukraine’s back.

“American elections typically influence Norwegian opinion due to their importance for Norway as a small country with a geopolitically vulnerable position sharing a border with an aggressive and dangerous neighbor: Russia,” Berntzen said.

This fear makes the U.S. Norway’s closest and most important ally in regard to military and security, Berntzen said.

“Norwegians are adamant that Putin must not be allowed to win his war of aggression against Ukraine,” Berntzen said. “Such a ‘peace’ would only embolden Putin’s expansionism and send an ominous message to other countries sharing a border with Russia.”

Predictable, yet disheartening

Following the U.S. election, most Norwegians weren’t surprised but still disappointed with the results.

Nesse had a “bad feeling” about the election as he viewed Trump as leading in some of the key issues this election: the economy, immigration and security. However, he still thinks a Trump presidency is “absolutely ludacris.”

“When I woke up and saw that Trump has most likely won the election, I wasn’t shocked, but I was a bit like, ‘What the f–k? Did they actually reelect him?’” Nesse said.

Spitzer said while he was “mind blown” about Trump’s election in 2016, he didn’t find it as startling this year after seeing declining support for Harris compared to Joe Biden in 2020.

“I would say that very much unlike previous years, the general reaction this year to some degree among thinking people in Norway has been, ‘Holy s–t, what have Democrats gotten wrong?’” Spitzer said.

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“As long as I’m comfortable walking around by myself at all hours, I’m OK,” Maloney said. “I don’t really worry about it too much.”

Not only does she feel safer, but the Logan Circle area has seen a 30% drop in violent crime and nearly in overall crime from 2023 to 2024.

Logan Circle Community Association president Karen Franklin attributes this decrease to Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s crime-prevention bill from early March.

“Of course, we are pleased with the numbers and are hoping they continue to go down,” Franklin said.

The legislation, , prioritizes prevention and ending cycles of violence, accountability for crime and government coordination and oversight. Highlights include establishing new felony offenses for gun penalties and strangulation, drug-free zones, gun tracking and more access to police body-worn-camera footage.

From 2023 to 2024, there was a 30% decrease in violent crimes and about 17% decrease in property crimes in the 2F Advisory Neighborhood Commission jurisdiction. (Data reflects Jan. 1 through Dec. 7 each year for consistency.)

There were 60 violent crimes in the area in 2023 and 42 in 2024. For property crimes, there were 729 in 2023 and 604 in 2024.

Despite the decrease, the neighborhood has still found itself in headlines for recent crimes — notably, a $30,000 merchandise heist in September and a near Shake Shack on 14th Street.

Maloney said she feels like there’s less concern among neighbors over day-to-day incidents. However, she still acknowledges there are shootings and drunk-driving-related car accidents in the area.

“We’ve seen more of that, but I’m less concerned just walking around,” Maloney said. “I don’t really know why. It’s just a feeling.”

Audrey Gaitley, who works at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, described the shop’s 14th Street location as in a “rowdy” area.

“I know there is a decrease [in crime], but I haven’t felt any safer really,” Gaitley said.

Nico Lewin, who lives in the area and practices tightrope at the Logan Circle park, said he hasn’t felt a decrease either. He said he sees property crimes as more of a threat than violent ones and doesn’t feel unsafe in his neighborhood. 

“You see a lot of break ins, especially into cars in the area,” Lewin. “I don’t think it affects me that much; I don’t have a car, but I guess it’s more of what you see. I don’t hear about much violent crime in the area.”

From 2023 to 2024, car break-ins decreased from 184 to 132, and motor vehicle theft decreased from 70 to 48. In the Secure D.C. bill, vehicle-related crimes are addressed through the expansion of the definition of carjacking to improve prosecution.

Maloney describes safety in D.C. as “on par” with other big cities. Her home city of St. Louis, Missouri, though, was of greater concern.

“People are afraid to go to the ballgame and afraid to go downtown [in St. Louis,” Maloney said. “I don’t feel that here. They’re more concerned with people breaking into their cars, more concerned with all of that kind of stuff.”

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Vito Maggiolo, a public information officer with D.C. fire and EMS, said the victim is an adult male who fell around 3:08 p.m. from an upper-level walkway to a lower level between the platform and wall. Firefighters rescued the victim and then transported him with critical injuries to an area hospital.

The scene was cleared within an hour, and Maggiolo said he was “not aware” of any temporary station closures.

Firefighters responded via the entrance at 14th and I Streets. The owner of Metro Variety, a gift shop at the Metro stop entrance, went by Mr. Chung and said he witnessed firefighters pass his store at the time of the incident but didn’t have additional information.

The upper level, which the victim fell from, has signs that read, “Danger: Fall Hazard. Do not attempt to climb.”

The cause of the victim’s fall has not been released.

D.C. resident Jillian Liu said a station closure wouldn’t affect her commute because she “doesn’t typically take the Blue or Orange or Silver lines at all.” Today, she came from a White House tour but would have walked to the Metro Center or Federal Triangle stations if McPherson Square temporarily closed.

Rod Wave, another D.C. resident, said on a Saturday a closure would be of negligible inconvenience to him.

“If it was during the week time, it would greatly affect my commute because this is how I get to work every day,” Wave said. “… There’s no parking around here.”

The most recent publicized incident of someone falling off a Metro platform was one month ago today when a Metro employee at the Farragut North station.

Liu said that as a commuter, she personally doesn’t have concerns of falling off a Metro platform or walkway.

“I guess I’ve never even thought of that sort of thing happening at the train station,” Liu said.

Wave agrees, but sometimes has concerns for others.

“If there’s people in a rush, like during rush hour during Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically, those are kind of busy times,” Wave said. “Not for me though, that was never really my big concern I would say.”

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were due to pedestrian rail trespassing in 2023. This year’s data isn’t yet available.

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The post Protesters outside the White House await election results first appeared on 91����.

Although they’re two neighborhoods with significant LGBTQ+ populations, voters shared with 91���� that the social issues they’re focused on this election season include the economy, abortion, democracy, climate change and marijuana legalization.

“I have friends who are like, ‘If Trump wins, then [gay] marriage will go away, and we’ll be stuffed back into the closet,’” said Joseph Schroder, who wrote in his vote for president at the Shaw polling place. “I don’t think that’s actually true.”

On the other hand, Clifton Hogan, who voted for Harris near Logan Circle, said he’s worried by Project 2025 ideologies as a gay man.

“Obviously, gay marriage hasn’t been made illegal, but Roe v. Wade was decided precedent, but here we are two years later,” Hogan said. 

The Shaw/Watha T. Daniel Library was a lively polling spot, with an outdoor line stretching the length of the building. The volunteer site coordinator, who did not share her name in fear of being perceived as representing the D.C. Board of Elections, said the voter turnout has been “overwhelming in a good way.”

The site coordinator said she’s seen a diverse and enthusiastic flock of voters, many of whom registered to vote on the spot. She said this contributed to the long wait times and line, which moved to the shaded side of the library around lunchtime after voters complained of baking in the heat.

People running for office, including Brooke Pinto for D.C. Council and Nicole Shea for Shaw’s Advisory Neighborhood Commission, were also outside the library with their teams campaigning and talking to voters.

Outside the library, Schroeder said he’s focused on the economy, federal debt, and the way the country budgets, which are top-of-mind issues. While his identity as a gay man changes how he culturally views things, he wrote in a candidate because his views don’t align with Kamala Harris nor Donald Trump.

“I’m in D.C., so I feel like I have the privilege of being able to [say] my vote doesn’t matter,” he said. “If I was in Pennsylvania or something, I would have to make a real choice and probably vote for [Harris], but at the moment, I’m sort of casting a protest vote.”

D.C. is notorious for voting blue in each election. In 2020, in the District voted for Joe Biden.

Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church near Logan Circle had a less lively outdoor crowd. Still, voters reported that the printed ballot system was out of order, so everyone was required to vote digitally. One man walked out of the polling place shortly after entering, declaring to passersby that the indoor line was too long for him to wait in during a break between food deliveries.

Jacynta Smith, registered to vote in North Carolina, said she’s focused on bodily autonomy and is hopeful as her home state is a swing state.

She was found outside the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church waiting for Corey Littman while he voted. Littman’s priorities are abortion, climate change and marijuana legalization.

Regarding LGBTQ+ issues: “I’m not personally in that community, but I do want them to have the protections everybody deserves,” Littman said. “It’s not my highest priority, personally, but I do think it’s important.”

Emily Menge voted for Harris at the Logan Circle polling place, prioritizing women’s rights and democracy.

“D.C. is dramatically [Democrat], so I don’t think it’s shocking that most of these people are voting for her,” Menge said. “Without D.C. statehood, it … doesn’t make you feel great about your vote.”

James Ashton, who was chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump” under his breath as he exited the Shaw Library polling location, said he voted Republican due to the economy and border issues.

David Lublin, department chair and professor of government at American University, said he hasn’t seen many people say LGBTQ+ rights are a number one priority for voters in this election. 

“In particular, I’ve seen this election as a battle of whether abortion or immigration is the most important issue,” Lublin said.

Lublin said transgender issues have been a discussion point for some Republicans, mainly due to gendered sports and restrooms, but “the lack of discussion of same-sex marriage and related questions I think show to what an extent that it’s no longer really a debatable proposition in the U.S.”

The polls will close at 8 p.m. In the Shaw neighborhood, Kamala Harris will tonight at Howard University.

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Ed Bailey, who owns gay bars Trade and Number Nine in Logan Circle, said that he’s hoping everyone will be pleased with the election outcome if Kamala Harris is elected, but if not, the LGBTQ+ community will be able to use World Pride as a moment to make their stance known.

“Regardless of how the election goes, it could be a difficult situation, but definitely, if you think about certain scenarios with certain people being in power, there’s a definite concern on how these events could unfold and what kind of support our community might get from the federal government if certain people are in power,” Bailey said.

World Pride, which will bring a week’s worth of festivities to the District in June 2025, is 2 to 3 million visitors to the area. the welcome concert starting on May 31, followed by a human rights conference, a parade, a street festival and a concert over the next week or so. 

Capital Pride Alliance, which usually hosts D.C.’s pride event, is responsible for World Pride 2025.

“It’s going to be an elevated, crazy boom for way more than just [the gay] community,” Bailey said. “All of the businesses in all of those areas are going to be busy because there’s going to be a lot of people.”

Safety of LGBTQ+ people through heightened security and communication is top of mind for Bailey.

“In the gay community, we’ve always been in a situation where we need to be cognizant of our very existence being a problem for some people, and therefore [we’ll be] prepared to deal with things that might happen in that regard,” Bailey said.

Capital Pride Alliance executive director Ryan Bos told 91���� in an email that event planners are in discussion with local health and security agencies, the Mayor’s Special Event Task Group, Homeland Security, the mayor’s office and the D.C. government to prepare the D.C.-area for millions of visitors from around the world.

Jesus Quispe, managing partner of gay nightclub Bunker on U Street, also owns event agency Kinetic Presents, which is spearheading planning a weekend festival during World Pride.

“What we’ve been trying to do is make sure … tourists understand there’s a vibrant nightlife here for people to have fun,” Quispe said. “For World Pride, all eyes are going to be on us and we want to make sure that people see us at a very international level.”

Quispe is also involved in advocacy efforts with the mayor’s office to allow short-term rentals of vacant storefronts for events and extend liquor licenses to 24 hours, similar to the .

“This is our time for small businesses to shine — restaurants, clubs, bars and lounges because we got hit very hard with COVID,” Quispe said.

Other World Pride safety measures have included partnerships with police and the District’s office of nightlife to account for road closures and added police presence as many restaurants and bars will be at or above capacity. Quispe said World Pride is also working to have a channel of communication with police and the District during the week so they know where the large events are going to be. 

“That’s the beauty of it because they’re understanding that there are going to be parties everywhere,” Quispe said. “They know where they’re going to be, how big they’re going to be. They’re going to make sure that D.C. is well taken care of.”

Quispe compares D.C. hosting World Pride to hosting the Olympics.

“[We’re] investing a lot of money, time and discussion to make sure we can deliver one of the best events that’s ever happened in World Pride,” he said.

Bailey anticipates it’ll be the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ people in North America.

“It’s always exciting, and a lot of younger people haven’t always had the opportunity to get together in large numbers with our community,” Bailey said. “It’s a very powerful thing to be able to be around a huge crowd of people who accept you.”

Erika Wichmann, who’s lived in the Logan Circle area for three years, said she’s excited to see a surge in local events during World Pride, especially post-pandemic.

As far as security, she’s confident World Pride has plans to account for the influx of people.

“If anything, I would worry about violence by protestors against the LGBT+ community and attendees,” Wichmann said.

Quispe said he’s been growing with the gay community in D.C. as a longtime operator, so working in a World Pride host city “is just a dream.”

“If I would die the next year, I would die in peace and say, ‘I’ve done something so huge that I’ve been waiting my entire life for,’” he said.

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Local businesses like Shop Made in D.C. have released their own lines of Harris-Walz merch, while Republicans like Williamsburg resident Susan Sherren say they shop primarily online.

D.C. is notorious for voting Democrat each election season. In 2020, in the District voted for Joe Biden.

91���� three in 10 Americans plan to sport candidate merchandise this election season, according to a national study.

The recent from EverythingBranded, a global merchandising hub, says that 36% of 1,000 American respondents said they have purchased or plan to purchase merchandise to support their chosen candidate in this election.

Shop Made in D.C., which sells products made by local creators, released a Harris merchandise line two days after she announced her campaign to show that “the local economy and D.C. economy has the Harris-Walz [campaign’s] back.” The boutique’s normal offerings include candles, stationery and jewelry among other handmade gifts.

Some of the shop’s most popular campaign items are a $28 T-shirt that says “Madam Vice President” with “vice” crossed out and stickers that say “Kamala” in the Barbie font ($4.50) and “prosecutor versus felon” ($5).

“We’ve had people express gratitude [because] we’re being very vocal instead of trying to take a neutral stance on the whole [election],” said Rin Baker, assistant store manager of Shop Made in D.C.’s Union Market location. 

Baker said the store’s diverse artists have brought a lot of energy surrounding the Harris-Walz campaign.

“Neutrality is not an option at this point,” Baker said. “… Being politically charged is just saying [to] the people who stock our stores and allow us to have a business, we have their backs and they have ours.”

After the election, Shop Made in D.C. plans to continue selling Harris-Walz merch even if the ticket loses the election.

EverythingBranded’s national merch study says 72% of people who purchased campaign merchandise plan to keep it if their candidate isn’t elected, and 66% said they plan to hold onto these items for at least 5 to 10 years after the election.

Sidewalk sellers

Meanwhile, tourists often purchase political merchandise from street vendors outside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. These sellers typically carry goods from both sides.

Sam Jun, who operates a merchandise truck outside the Air and Space Museum, said clothing for both candidates is popular. He said he’s sold about an equal amount of Harris and Trump merch, so he can’t tell who will win the election.

“I don’t know the details, but we have to sell both to make our business,” Jun said.

However, outside the National Museum of African American History and Culture, vendors mainly sell Kamala Harris merchandise and other Black Lives Matter products.

Leroy Parham, a Democrat who independently sells Harris T-shirts outside the museum, said he wants to spread a message of “a lot of love” through his merchandise sales.

“It’s time for a change, and I think [Harris is] the right person to put in there,” Parham said. “You still have a chance that we don’t go back, but it’s time for a change.”

American University junior Nolan Menanno wears a Harris-Walz shirt his mom ordered online to show his support surrounding the election. 

“If nobody wore any merch or put up signs, then it’s not the same level of enthusiasm around the election,” Menanno said.

On the other hand, Sherren has a Trump dog collar, which she also ordered online to express her views and freedom of speech.

“Political identification is important for some people,” Sherren said. “The message is about spreading party affiliation.”

Advocate or not?

Dana Connell, a Chicago-based Columbia College professor with more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry, says large retailers normally don’t make their stances known because they have received backlash in the past. However, independent retailers have more choice in their business identities, which Connell said can, at times, be “risky” due to mixed customer perception.

“They will have some customers who say, ‘I’m not shopping here anymore because you put that merchandise in,’” Connell said. “Then they have other customers who say, ‘I’m for sure shopping with you because your values align with my values.’”

Connell also said political merchandise is more common in online retailers like Etsy than brick-and-mortar retailers.

She said retailers, both online and in-store, support social topics like the environment or labor issues to take a stance and show consumers what’s important to them.

“There are absolutely retailers who say, ‘These are my values and these are the things that are important to me and my community, and I’m going to put that out there in my store,’” Connell said. “There are others who say, ‘I’m staying far from it,’ and there are others who stand in the middle and say, ‘I don’t care who you vote for. Just vote.’”

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Almost a year later, he and events coordinator Melissa Harrison host watch parties for the reality dating show as it premiered on Netflix this month.

The couple has seen the Logan Circle bar bring in about a 50% increase from its normal Wednesday revenue during the Love is Blind watch parties.

“I think it’s the kind of show that’s super fun to watch with a group of friends,” Melissa said. “The fact you can be on set with your friends hanging out and watching at a watch party at The Crown & Crow is definitely exciting.”

They’ve hosted two so far — one on the Oct. 1 premiere and another on the following Wednesday. There will be a watch party each Wednesday until the reunion episode releases Oct. 30.

Love is Blind is a hit Netflix dating series where couples can’t see each other’s appearance prior to getting engaged. After popping the question, they have about three weeks to explore their compatibility in the “real world” until challenged with whether they’ll wed at the altar. 

At the show’s season six peak in March 2024, Love is Blind was the most-watched streaming title on any platform with 6 million minutes viewed, .

Season seven was filmed in Washington, D.C.

As a nod to the show, The Crown & Crow has created themed discounted drinks for the watch parties such as the “Red Flag,” “Love is Tonic,” “Gaslighter,” “Social Experiment” and “Bottle Needed.”

“The drink special will change as the season progresses as we find things within the season that would be relevant to make funny with a drink,” Melissa said.

Guests in the sold-out crowd mingle and talk back to the TV each week.

“It was really festive and fun,” Melissa said. “I just had a smile on my face the whole time.”

The watch parties have brought in some Crown & Crow regulars in addition to new Love is Blind fanatics. Friend groups, girls’ nights and dates sat around the tables positioned toward the TV.

Michael French of Chantilly, Virginia, was drawn to the watch party to sample the Love is Blind-themed drinks while meeting his girlfriend’s friends.

“We’re definitely into the show, and [we asked], ‘Why not hang out and meet people and have fun at the same time instead of staying home?’” French said.

The bar has moved its popular trivia night from Wednesday to Thursday to make way for Love is Blind.

“Wednesdays are already a pretty strong night for us,” Brian said. “We were at capacity or close to it in the room where we have the watch party, so it would be challenging to perform any better than what we’re doing.”

Stephen Zagor, a business professor at Columbia University who focuses on restaurants and food business, described restaurants as real estate businesses where tables are rented and average checks are the revenue.

“If you can bring a group of people in at a time that would normally not be your prime time and you’re able to build a menu … where people are going to maximize your profitability by being there, it’s a win-win,” he said.

Zagor also said events like watch parties bring in new clientele while keeping their existing base satisfied.

“Restaurants don’t sell food,” Zagor said. “They sell experiences.”

The bar received an influx in business as soon as it was announced as one of this season’s filming locations.

“It wasn’t just the watch parties,” Brian said. “It’s just really a lot of buzz about the program and people wanting to see the venue as a result.”

Melissa said watching the show premiere “on set” is particularly exciting for customers.

“We feel really strongly about people getting out in person with other human beings and looking at each other’s faces and making eye contact and developing real relationships and meeting,” Melissa said. “It’s a perfect combination since the show is about making those connections as well.”

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