By Marcie Connelly-Lynn
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Volunteer
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The streets of the nation’s capital were alive with color, music and celebration this summer as Washington, D.C. hosted WorldPride 2025, a global event that drew thousands of attendees from May 23 to June 8. Among the sea of rainbow flags and jubilant crowds was Jacob Buck, a dedicated member of the American Red Cross and its national Pride Team Resource Group.
For Jacob, the event was more than just a celebration of LGBTQ+ pride—it was an opportunity to connect the Red Cross’ mission with a global audience. “I loved being part of the event because I got to meet so many people and share our mission with community members from all over the world,” said Jacob, a Senior Engagement Specialist with the Red Cross of Utah’s Volunteer Services. “It is always amazing when you get to see the response of how the Red Cross has touched so many lives, from donating blood to being a recipient of our blood program.”
Connecting Mission with Community at WorldPride
Jacob’s journey to WorldPride began with a conference for all Red Cross Pride Team resource groups, held in Washington, D.C. The timing couldn’t have been better, as the city was also marking the 50th anniversary of its Pride celebrations. The milestone was commemorated with parades, concerts, street festivals and a host of other events that brought together people from all walks of life.
As a member of the Red Cross Pride Team Resource Group, Jacob was invited to help represent the organization at WorldPride. The group’s mission is to create “a supportive environment to exchange information and ideas, fostering a better understanding of the unique issues facing LGBTQ+ people and allies, and offering opportunities to learn about, understand and engage the LGBTQ+ community.”
Red Cross Pride: A Commitment to Inclusivity
For Jacob, the event was a powerful reminder of the inclusiveness and unity that the Red Cross embodies. “Another favorite part was seeing the inclusiveness of the Red Cross and all of the lines of service working together from all over the U.S. to be part of a huge event,” he said.
The Red Cross’ presence at WorldPride was a testament to its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Volunteers and staff from across the country came together to engage with attendees, share information about the organization’s services, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.
A Personal and Global Celebration of Impact
Jacob’s experience at WorldPride was not just about representing the Red Cross; it was also deeply personal. “Whenever you get to be a part of the Red Cross on a national level, take the opportunity,” he said. “You will get to see so much of what we do and how our communities are engaging with our mission.”
The event also highlighted the global reach of the Red Cross and its ability to bring people together. “It’s incredible to see how our mission resonates with people from all over the world,” Jacob said. “Whether it’s through blood donation, disaster relief, or community support, the Red Cross touches lives in ways that are both profound and personal.”
As the festivities of WorldPride 2025 came to a close, Jacob reflected on the experience with gratitude and pride. “Being part of something this big, where you see the impact of our work on such a large scale, is truly inspiring,” he said.
For Jacob and the Red Cross, WorldPride 2025 was more than just a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of their mission to serve all communities with compassion, inclusivity and unwavering dedication. To learn more about the American Red Cross’s commitment to all people, visit redcross.org/about-us/dei.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
