rights
A vice president marches by our side
By Vincent E. Slatt at Washington Blade
· June 4, 2026
· 1 min read
A photograph can change how we understand ourselves. In Rainbow History Project’s exhibit “Pickets, Protests, and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington,” one pairing does exactly that: 10 Washingtonians in their Sunday best picketing the White House in 1965, and, a few panels later, Vice P
Why this matters
The juxtaposition of a 1965 photograph of Washingtonians picketing the White House with a more recent image of a vice president marching in a pride parade highlights the significant progress made in LGBTQ+ rights over the past several decades. This contrast also underscores the ongoing importance of national figures using their platforms to support marginalized communities. The fact that a vice president is now willing to publicly march in support of LGBTQ+ rights demonstrates a shift in the national conversation around these issues. As the country continues to grapple with varying levels of legal protections and policies for LGBTQ+ individuals across different states, the visibility and support of national leaders can play a crucial role in promoting equality and acceptance. The National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations will likely continue to advocate for consistent and comprehensive protections, and the involvement of high-profile figures can help amplify these efforts.
About this story
Original reporting by Washington Blade . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 4, 2026 ·
Source: Washington Blade ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A photograph can change how we understand ourselves. In Rainbow History Project’s exhibit “Pickets, Protests, and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington,” one pairing does exactly that: 10 Washingtonians in their Sunday best picketing the White House in 1965, and, a few panels later, Vice P
When was this published? This article was first published on June 4, 2026 by Washington Blade and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Vincent E. Slatt at Washington Blade. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .