DeeJay Johannessen, CEO of Help Center for LGBTQ+ Health, the organization that produces Arlington Pride, has just released a statement elaborating on the decision to suspend plans for the 2026 event:
“Thank you all for the support, concert — and yes, the anger and disappointment. I want to address those opposing the decision to suspend Arlington Pride.
“Let me be clear: There will be a Pride event in 2026. My strong hope is that it will be in Arlington — just not on June 6th. The majority of this city believes in basic civil rights for everyone, and they are joined by city leaders and council members who are fighting alongside us.
“What we will not do is play along — smile, entertain and hope you like us while our rights are stripped away. Those days are over. Arlington Pride will not be used as a political prop to validate that everything “is fine” in Arlington.
“Additionally, I expect this issue to be well resolved before June, but I will not gamble with the safety of 10,000 people by hosting an event at the steps of City Hall and hoping nothing goes wrong. That’s exactly the chaos some would like to see. Arlington Pride has always been — and will remain — a safe, welcoming and powerful event, where families can celebrate without fear.
“Thank you to everyone who spoke up. You made it clear that Pride is far more than a party — it matters. And for those who know me, this will come as no surprise: I will never stand down when it comes to our civil rights. Failing to fight would be a personal, moral and ethical failure — and I will not fail the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth who are watching to see if someone will protect them.
— DeeJay Johannessen
“Reminder: If you live in Arlington, call your council member and demand full restoration of the original anti-discrimination chapter. If you work in Arlington, call City Manager Trey Yelverton and tell him the same.”