March for All Launches to Give Voice to LGBTQIA+ People Silenced Around the World

While Pride marches are vibrant celebrations of identity and progress in many parts of the world, the reality remains starkly different for millions globally. Currently, 62 United Nations (UN) member states criminalise same-sex relations, with eight legislating possible death sentences. Even where legal, including increasingly in the US, LGBTQIA+ people’s rights and safety are under threat, preventing countless individuals from participating openly in Pride due to fear of persecution by governments, communities, or even families.

Grounded in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the right to assemble, live safely, and express oneself freely – March for All aims to bridge this gap. It's a scalable, repeatable platform designed to infuse Pride marches with renewed purpose and activism.

The Core Idea: March for All enables individuals fortunate enough to march openly to dedicate their participation to someone who cannot. It provides a tangible way for marchers to stand in solidarity and act as proxies for those silenced by oppression, effectively giving millions who are forced to sit out a way to be represented and show their pride without fear.

How it Works and Key Dates: Launching May 12th, this initiative functions as a global resource, educational tool, and donation platform:

- Participation: Community members that are unable to join WorldPride in DC given any of the circumstances that may hold them back - have the ability to sign up to be marched. 'Marchees' will be represented at Pride by 'Marchers' - allies and community members that sign up via the platform website starting May 12th. 'Marchers' can choose to march for someone who is unable to participate (a 'Marchee').

- Activism and Fundraising: The platform encourages grassroots advocacy. Marchers will download bibs and are encouraged to tap into their networks to raise visibility and funds directly benefiting Outright International and The Capital Pride Alliance. Donations can be made during sign-up, directly on the website, and through QR codes integrated into marcher bibs.

- World Pride Activation: The initiative provides opportunities for participation and fundraising during key World Pride events, most notably the International Rally + March on Washington for Freedom on Sunday, June 8th, 2025.

- Awareness: The entire initiative aims to raise awareness about the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights globally and stateside, providing an accessible way to contribute to change.

March for All offers a powerful way to connect the global LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, turning participation in Pride into direct support and advocacy.

“There are some ideas that we as creatives never get to make, that just stick with us. This is an idea that has stuck with me for nearly a decade in the back of my head, just begging me to find a way to bring it to life. Fortunately that day has come, and with incredible partners, and a timeliness from a world that needs it even more now than it ever has.

The entirety of LGBTQIA+ community deserves to march at Pride, even if it’s illegal, impossible, or just uncomfortable to do so where they’re from, and this platform lets them do exactly that, on the biggest stage possible, at WorldPride.” said Zack Roif, creative director, Johannes Leonardo.