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Axios
17 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Nashville Pride faces catastrophic shortfall after corporations pull funding
Nashville Pride's future is in jeopardy after corporate sponsorships cratered this year, creating a catastrophic budget shortfall for the LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Why it matters: The organization launched an emergency fundraiser to "save Nashville Pride." Organizers say if they don't hit their $250,000 goal, "we risk losing not just a weekend of celebration, but a safe space for tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies all year long." Nashville Pride set a deadline of Oct. 11, which is National Coming Out Day. The big picture: Pride festivals nationwide have been pushed to the brink this year. Longtime corporate allies are backing away and pulling funding. The trend is fueled by the Trump administration's opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion. State of play: In Nashville, funding from corporate sponsors dropped by $270,000 in 2025. That's down 40% from 2024. Nashville Pride organizers said many of the losses were unexpected, last-minute decisions. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which previously contributed medical support at the festival, pulled out in mid-May, only a few weeks before this year's festival, Pride spokesperson Brady Ruffin tells Axios. As a result, organizers had to find and pay for a new provider, Ruffin says, racking up $30,000 in expenses. A VUMC spokesperson declined to comment. Between the lines: Past Nashville Pride sponsor Nissan, one of the companies that stepped back this year, said its Pride retreat was part of a broad review of marketing and sales spending, per a Nissan spokesperson. Zoom in: Bad weather during this year's festival exacerbated revenue problems. Organizers said storms cut attendance by more than 15,000 people. What they're saying:"These challenges left Nashville Pride with a gap that no single organization can fix," Nashville Pride board president Tina Tousignant, said in a statement Wednesday. Driving the news: Nashville Pride said growing opposition to LGBTQ+ issues at the state and federal levels underscored the significance of the fundraising effort. Tennessee has long been seen as a leader in anti-transgender policies. Lawmakers have pushed restrictions on drag queens and gender-affirming health care. The Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution this year supporting efforts to reverse Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that legalized same-sex marriage 10 years ago. "Pride isn't just a party — it's survival," Nashville Pride vice president Alycia Ehimen said in the Wednesday statement.
Axios
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Nashville Pride hopes for big crowds despite corporate pullbacks
Nashville Pride organizers are hoping for a record crowd this weekend, even as they've had to tighten their budget due to reduced support from several corporate backers. Why it matters: Dwindling interest from some major sponsors reflects the increasingly tough political landscape LGBTQ+ pride events face this year. But festival organizers tell Axios the challenges only underscore the importance of the celebration. State of play: In an open letter, the organizers said shrinking corporate involvement left them with "a significant budget gap." They urged supporters to "show up where others have stepped back" by buying tickets or donating to the cause. Zoom in: Nashville Pride board member Brady Ruffin says community support for the festival is "incredibly strong." The event has grown exponentially since launching in 1988. About 240 vendors are participating, he says. More than 140 entertainers will be on hand throughout the weekend, starting with a Friday night concert with headliner Kim Petras. The big picture: Pride events around the country are seeing longtime corporate allies back away this year. The trend is part of a broader backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion spurred on by the Trump administration. Past Nashville Pride sponsor Nissan, one of the companies that stepped back this year, said its Pride pullbacks nationally were part of a broad review of marketing and sales spending, per the New York Times. Tennessee has long been seen as a leader in anti-transgender policies. Lawmakers have pushed restrictions on drag queens and gender-affirming health care. Last week, the Supreme Court upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention recently passed a resolution supporting efforts to reverse Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark case that legalized same-sex marriage 10 years ago. What they're saying: Ruffin tells Axios that this year's event "feels more pressing and needed than ever." " The pushback we're facing politically only reinforced why this work matters," Ruffin says. "We're not just throwing a parade or a party or a festival — we're building a platform and making a statement. "In a time when we're hearing a lot of harmful rhetoric from the highest levels of leadership, it's crucial to create spaces that celebrate joy, resilience and visibility." If you go: Pride events will run Friday-Sunday. Tickets for the Friday night concert at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park are $44. Festival passes for Saturday and Sunday start at $10.
