Love was quite literally in the air at the WorldPride DC kickoff celebration, where a handful of unsuspecting LGBTQIA+ couples were whisked into an unforgettable moment: surprise wedding ceremonies hosted by none other than drag royalty, Sasha Colby.
The glamorous gathering, hosted by Them and Destination DC at Succotash, transformed into an impromptu queer love fest as Colby officiated the heartfelt unions. The ceremonies aligned beautifully with a significant milestone — the 10th anniversary of marriage equality in the United States.
A Toast to Love (and Cake, of Course)
What’s a wedding without the trimmings? Guests were treated to the full fairytale treatment: a decadent wedding cake, lush florals fit for a Pride-themed Pinterest board, and a sparkling champagne tower that had everyone raising a glass to queer joy. The surprise ceremonies were met with laughter, tears, and cheers from a room full of chosen family and allies.
Sasha Colby has been on whirlwind ride of global appearances ever since her RuPaul’s Drag Race win, but with this, she’s also delivering more than just glamour, she’s bringing gravitas, humor, and heartfelt sincerity to the couples’ big moment.
A Pride Month to Remember
The event marked the official kickoff of Them’s Pride Month programming. Editor-in-Chief Fran Tirado took a moment to speak to the crowd, emphasizing the importance of honoring queer stories — not just the struggles, but the celebrations too.
Colby also graced the stage with a performance that had guests out of their seats and living for every beat. It was a perfect blend of performance art and emotional resonance — exactly the kind of energy you want when ushering in a month dedicated to queer joy and resilience.
Earlier in the week, Them launched their Pride coverage with a bold cover reveal featuring The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey. The media outlet promises more big moments throughout the month, including exclusive features, interviews, and fresh cover stories spotlighting the LGBTQIA+ community.
Marriage, Magic, and Momentum
In a cultural climate where queer rights continue to be debated and defended, events like these do more than dazzle — they affirm. The surprise weddings weren’t just sweet — they were symbolic of how far we’ve come and how powerful visibility can be.
Sasha Colby’s impromptu officiating gig might not have been on anyone’s Pride bingo card, but it turned out to be the heartwarming highlight of the evening. And as the champagne flowed and confetti settled, one thing was clear: Pride in D.C. had officially begun — with love leading the way.
