Among strong competitors, San Francisco Pride is arguably the largest and most historic LGBTQ+ celebration in the United States. This year, all that celebratory joy runs into a big financial roadblock. She noted that the organization currently has a $200,000 budget deficit. It comes on the heels of losing the backing of five large corporate donors, including Comcast, Anheuser-Busch, and Diageo. As those June 29 celebrations get closer, we see that there is a dearth of corporate sponsors. As corporate priorities inevitably change, this development begs serious questions about the sustainability of these events.
It was the third major withdrawal. Earlier this year, San Francisco Pride’s whitewashers announced that Salesforce and other major sponsors would be withdrawing. As of this week, the corporate sponsors Comcast, Anheuser-Busch, and Diageo no longer appear on the organization’s website. They are noticeably absent as endorsers for the 100th anniversary celebration. This withdrawal represents a burgeoning movement spread across the country. In response, many of the same U.S. corporations are withdrawing their financial backing of Pride events that foster awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ culture and rights. Those budget gaps have in some instances exceeded several hundred thousand dollars.
In a related development, San Francisco Pride cut ties with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, following its decision to terminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and content moderation policies. Suzanne Ford, a representative from the San Francisco Pride organization, voiced her concerns about the current environment for LBGTQ+ advocacy.
“With everything we’re facing from the Trump administration, to lose five of your partners within a couple of weeks, it felt like we were being abandoned.” – Suzanne Ford
Other Pride organizations around the country are facing the same kind of challenges. In Minneapolis, Twin Cities Pride started a crowdfunding campaign to address a serious $50,000 funding gap. They had a blast doing it, successfully raising over $89,000 in the process! At the same time, Kansas City Pride announced a shortfall of about $200,000, about half its yearly budget, because of disappearing corporate sponsorship.
The theme for this year’s San Francisco Pride is “Queer Joy is Resistance,” which aims to highlight the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community amidst adversity. In contrast, New York City’s Pride theme is “Rise Up: Pride in Protest,” while Boston’s theme is “Here to Stay!” We’ve seen first-time donations from individuals, foundations and local businesses more than double. This increase is remarkable indeed, given the fiscal hardship endured and just in reaction to corporate America’s withdrawal.
Too many good organizers are already out of work after having made hard decisions due to this lack of funding. Additionally, some of these organizers have rescheduled dance parties and cut stages at their events in half. Others are bringing in cheaper, less popular headliners and eliminating free food and free T-shirts for volunteers. This shift indicates an adaptation strategy to ensure that the core values and celebrations continue despite limited resources.
As Chris Piedmont put it, we would urge this kind of unconditional support for nonprofits going through tough times.
“Writing a check to a nonprofit and supporting a nonprofit with no strings attached is stepping up to the plate.” – Chris Piedmont
Of course, the shifting economic landscape has made these budgetary constraints inevitable. Just last month, Target announced that its sales had fallen deeper than expected in the first quarter. That drop was the result of a variety of factors, from customer boycotts to tariffs. While the company continues to recognize the importance of celebrating Heritage Months that highlight diverse communities—including LGBTQ+ individuals—it has scaled back its offerings. Target has since limited access to Pride products, offering them only in specific stores and online.
James Moran explained how this year’s inflammatory climate around Pride events is a departure from past events.
“This isn’t the first year that there’s been an inflammatory climate around Pride.” – James Moran
The shift in corporate support has spurred a grassroots movement within local communities as they strive to fill in the gaps left by larger sponsors. Individuals and small businesses have joined together to offer matching funds for the financial support crucial to ensuring these landmark celebrations go forward. As organizations navigate this landscape, many anticipate that participation in Pride events remains an act of defiance against societal challenges.
“If you come to Pride this year, that’s a revolutionary act.” – Suzanne Ford
The fiscal hardships impacting Pride organizations make this a pivotal time for LGBTQ+ advocacy. With the retreat of large donors, this makes the case for continued support at a grassroots level, from community members and single patrons. As events draw nearer and plans solidify, many hope that the spirit of unity and celebration will endure despite financial obstacles.
