Anti-DEI attacks haven't scared all WorldPride sponsors away

Technical.ly

2 days ago

This year, LGBTQ+ people in the US must celebrate Pride festivities against the backdrop of widespread federal actions targeting them.
The ramifications are clear enough in the nation's capital that the organizers of WorldPride, a globally rotating celebration that is hosted in DC in 2025, warned trans people about traveling to the US for the events.
Major corporations also notably backed out of sponsoring WorldPride — but a bulk are staying to raise money for nonprofits, host drag brunches and walk in the official parade.
Various corporations originally sponsoring WorldPride, which takes place every two years, pulled their funding and support during a cultural and governmental crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across the US.
Moves from these companies, including Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte, resulted in organizers slashing the original $20 million budget for WorldPride by 25%, the 51st reported. Other corporations outside of these sponsors, like Target and Walmart, are removing some of their DEI initiatives.
Some sponsors see this period of political turmoil, marked with anti-LGBTQ+ actions like firing transgender service members and defunding gender affirming care, as an opportune time to lean in.
Kendra Lee is the senior director of community engagement and social strategy at Urban Adventures Companies, a group of seven businesses whose constituent company, Vida Fitness, frequently sponsors local Capital Pride events. She affirmed that their commitment to WorldPride and inclusion broadly isn't wavering.
'Supporting LGBTQ+ people is not controversial to us — it's essential. Our policies, benefits, and culture are grounded in inclusion, and that doesn't change based on political shifts,' Lee told Technical.ly. 'If anything, this climate has made it more urgent for companies to step up, not pull back.'
Booz Allen Hamilton, based in McLean, cited President Donald Trump's executive order against DEI, and its work in government contracting could make the major corporation out of compliance. Deloitte, another government contractor, also pulled out of WorldPride.
Neither corporation responded to Technical.ly's requests for comment.
DC isn't the only place dealing with this mix of corporate fallout and political tension during Pride season. Comcast, cited in reports as another departed sponsor of WorldPride, cancelled its backing of San Francisco Pride. Mastercard pulled out of NYC Pride.
But some companies of varying sizes, including several with corporate headquarters in the region, are still leaning into sponsoring WorldPride. Technical.ly reached out to nearly 50 corporations sponsoring the extensive series of events, which began in May and runs through June 8. Only six responded.
JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Airbus declined to comment. About 40 of the remaining sponsors did not answer requests for comment. WorldPride also didn't respond to questions.
Sponsors pledge financial, other support beyond June
Vida Fitness is raising $200,000 for LGBTQ+ nonprofits during WorldPride. They've also organized Pride-themed fitness classes and will have two floats during the official parade on June 7.
Lee also noted their work doesn't end when June is over: Vida Fitness donates to local groups including the LGBTQ+ nonprofit SMYAL and Capital Pride Alliance, which organizes the annual Capital Pride.
'We're aware that corporate support during Pride can be seen as superficial if it isn't backed by action,' she said. 'That's why we aim to build long-term relationships with the community we serve, not just short-term campaigns.'
H&M also made this financial support a priority. The fashion giant has donated $1 million to The Trevor Project, among other nonprofits focused on LGBTQ+ rights.
Corporations are also providing services as part of sponsorships. Lime, the e-scooter and bike company, is offering free rides for festival staff, volunteers and performers.
'We saw this partnership as an opportunity to visibly and tangibly show up for the LGBTQIA+ community in a city where Lime has developed deep connections over the past several years,' said Erika Duthely, the company's director of government relations. 'It is an extension of our core value that everyone should have access to safe and convenient transportation to get where they need to go, to where they feel comfortable, or to those they love.'
LGBTQ+ hospitality company Vacaya is taking more of an active role in programming, with its drag entertainer troupe performing at a sold-out brunch on June 8.
Cofounder and CMO Patrick Gunn said he hasn't received pushback for his company's involvement in WorldPride. If anything, he's seen more support and had more people than before ask to walk with Vacaya in the parade.
'We'll never be intimidated or silenced by threats from those with a weak desire to suppress diversity and inclusion,' Gunn told Technical.ly. 'Our commitment to equality and community is unwavering, regardless of the political climate.'
Representatives of Giant Food and Pepco, both of which are locally headquartered, similarly said being inclusive is a service to both customers and workers.
'Founded in Washington, DC in 1936, for almost 90 years Giant has actively supported the communities we serve through a variety of initiatives,' said Felis Andrade, director of external communications community relations for DC, Maryland, Virginia and Delaware at Prince George's County-based Giant Food. 'Pride events reflect that support and are a part of the company's long-standing commitment to our customers and our 19,000 associates.'
'We believe that everyone deserves a space to thrive and that building a cleaner and brighter future starts with empowering the communities we serve,' said Chuck McDade, a senior communications specialist at Pepco, 'and the team members who drive our mission forward.'