![gay pride parade 2021 dc gay pride parade 2021 dc](https://s.abcnews.com/images/US/180525_vod_orig_gaypride_hpMain_16x9_992.jpg)
The parade's theme is Make Magic Happen and is part of 2016 Celebration of Pride in the Nation's Capital presented by Hilton. "I believe in equality for all people and I look forward to showing my support along with our organization and fans." "I am honored to represent the Capitals and participate in this important event that shines light on the contributions the LGBT community makes every day," said Holtby. All members walking in the contingency will wear #RockTheRainbow shirts. You Can Play is an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, coaches and fans, without regard to sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Holtby will participate in the Pride Parade walking with Capitals mascot Slapshot, Red Rockers, Washington Wizards Wizard Girls, Washington Mystics Energy Squad and Monumental Sports and Entertainment staff members in conjunction with the You Can Play Project. on Saturday, June 11, in Washington, D.C. The Washington Capitals and goaltender Braden Holtby are proud to announce their support and take part in the Capital Pride Alliance's 2016 Capital Pride Parade presented by Marriot Rewards, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Here is the release on the event from You Can Play: It's with allies like Holtby that acceptance is achieved, helping to pave the way for an out player one day. "It just seemed like a no-brainer to me." "You're making a bigger statement for a cause that we feel is necessary to society," Holtby said of his appearance.
![gay pride parade 2021 dc gay pride parade 2021 dc](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XLPj562QygE/maxresdefault.jpg)
![gay pride parade 2021 dc gay pride parade 2021 dc](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IX6CD3Re7O4/maxresdefault.jpg)
Holtby said the topic comes up occasionally in the Caps' dressing room, but that You Can Play's efforts have significantly advanced LGBT issues in the NHL community, to where acceptance "is just the norm." Brandi also plans to march in Saturday's parade, and Holtby said they hope to become "more and more involved" with such issues in the future. Holtby and his wife, Brandi, have gotten themselves involved in LGBT issues, as the goalie told Dan Steinberg of the Washington Post. "I am honored to represent the Capitals and participate in this important event that shines light on the contributions the LGBT community makes every day," Holtby said in a news release by the You Can Play Project. Braden Holtby, goalie for the NHL's Washington Capitals, will march in Saturday's DC LGBT Pride parade, starting at 4:30 p.m.