Latest news with #NYCPride
Technical.ly
3 hours ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
Anti-DEI attacks haven't scared all WorldPride sponsors away
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 '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 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. 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 '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.'
Axios
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Indy Pride plans two-day event, despite tough climate
Indy Pride is adding an extra day to the annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community despite a tough political climate. Why it matters: It's the 30th anniversary for Indy Pride and organizers say folks wanted Pride weekend to truly feel like a whole weekend-long celebration — a needed balm for the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric that's gotten louder over the last year. What they're saying:"You can feel it in the energy," said Tina Robb, Pride's marketing director. "You can feel that people aren't wanting to celebrate as much this year. They're a little scared." "It's hard, but we're going to do it. We're going to celebrate. This is our month to be loud and proud." The big picture: Once-proud corporate America is pivoting. Companies big and small across the U.S. have pulled their support for some Pride events amid a larger rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Mastercard, Citi, Pepsi, Nissan and PwC pulled sponsorship of NYC Pride and Minneapolis' Twin Cities Pride rejected Target's sponsorship dollars, citing the company's DEI rollbacks. State of play: "Once the DEI announcement came out, we started to see community sponsors and major sponsors that could no longer participate with Indy Pride," Robb said. "It wasn't angry. It wasn't anything hostile. It was … it is what it is. "It's disappointing and upsetting, but there's always support out there." Robb would not list which sponsors backed out but said they've been able to fill in gaps and the show will go on. Zoom in: Pride weekend starts Saturday, June 14, with the annual parade along Mass Ave. Robb said that event is largely unchanged, but will be smaller this year than last. They're expecting about 200 participating groups, rather than the 250 they had last year. The traditional festival and concert that follows the parade is back, but in a new spot and will last for two days. What's new: The location. Construction near Military Park where festival vendors usually set up forced Indy Pride to look for a new home. "Since it's our 30th anniversary, we said, 'Why don't we connect things back to the history?'" Robb said. The earliest Pride celebrations were on Monument Circle, so that's where the free two-day festival will be this year. The ticketed concert, called Word of Mouth, is moving to the American Legion Mall on Saturday and Sunday. It'll be headlined by Natasha Bedingfield Saturday and Tinashe Sunday. If you go: The festivities start at 10am June 14 for the free parade on Mass Ave. The free Celebration on the Circle runs noon to 5pm June 14 and 15. Word of Mouth is 2-10pm both days. Tickets are $42 for one day or $62 for both. Pro tip: Robb said volunteers get a free ticket to Word of Mouth and attendees at one of the earlier Pride month events can get a discount of 20% off tickets by asking at the Indy Pride Inc. tent.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
9 Fabulous Cities Around The World That Go All Out For Pride Month
Pride Month is more than a party — it's a powerful, worldwide celebration of LGBTQ+ identity, progress, and community. Each June, cities from San Francisco to Sydney light up with parades, protests, and parties that unite people in joy and solidarity. It's a time to honour hard-won rights, raise voices for change, and show up as your true self — sequins and all. Whether you're after big-city energy, beachside pride, or meaningful cultural moments, these destinations offer unforgettable Pride Month celebrations in 2025. Think glitter, music, activism, and love — all on the world's most vibrant, inclusive stage. Here Are 9 Destinations To Celebrate Pride Month: 1. New York City, USA There's no Pride quite like NYC Pride. After all, it was the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Greenwich Village that sparked the global LGBTQ+ rights movement. The city's annual Pride March, held on the last Sunday of June, draws millions — and yes, it really does feel like the whole city shows up. Expect headliners at PrideFest, rooftop parties across Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the iconic drag parade in Bushwick. Pro tip: The Human Rights Conference also runs during Pride Week if you're after deeper conversations. 2. Sao Paulo, Brazil Bigger is better in Sao Paulo, which hosts one of the largest Pride parades on the planet. Avenida Paulista transforms into a rainbow river of floats, dancers, and flag-waving revellers, with well over three million people turning out. Pride here is political, loud, and unapologetically joyful. The party spills into the city's clubs, where DJs spin until sunrise. Be sure to check out cultural events at Museu da Diversidade Sexual — Brazil's only LGBTQ+ museum. 3. Madrid, Spain Madrid Pride, or Orgullo Madrid, takes over the city's Chueca neighbourhood every summer with a full week of concerts, parties, and activism. The main parade is held on the first Saturday of July (yes, slightly outside of June, but worth the wait), with more than 1.5 million attendees expected. Don't miss the high-heeled Carrera de Tacones race or open-air concerts in Plaza de Espana. The atmosphere? Welcoming, electric, and totally inclusive. 4. Cape Town, South Africa Though Cape Town's official Pride parade takes place in February (due to the Southern Hemisphere's seasons), June is still an important month for queer visibility and cultural events. The city is home to vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, especially in Green Point and De Waterkant, which are full of queer-owned cafes, galleries and bars. June often sees pop-up events, screenings, and Pride-themed exhibitions. Cape Town also stands out as one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities on the continent. 5. Toronto, Canada Toronto Pride is more than a parade — it's a full-month lineup of events, from drag brunches to Dyke Marches to Trans Pride rallies. The main parade happens on the last weekend of June, running along Yonge Street with floats, dancers, and plenty of maple-leaf rainbow flags. Church-Wellesley Village is the heart of the action, but the celebrations spill citywide. This year, look out for queer art installations and city-backed performances that turn every corner into a stage. 6. Berlin, Germany Pride in Berlin (called Christopher Street Day) is politically charged, creative, and endlessly cool — kind of like the city itself. The parade usually takes place in late July, but Pride Month is still packed with activism, performance, and parties. Kreuzberg and Schoneberg host pop-up exhibitions and queer film nights, while Berlin's legendary club scene kicks into overdrive. It's inclusive, international, and one of Europe's most progressive Pride scenes. 7. Sydney, Australia While Sydney's main Pride-style celebration — WorldPride — usually happens in February and March, June is still a strong time to visit. The queer scene is alive year-round in Newtown and Surry Hills, and venues like The Imperial and Universal host Pride-themed events throughout the month. Look out for drag revues, inclusive film festivals, and community-led events around Oxford Street. Plus, June means mild winter weather — a perfect excuse to swap feathers for fabulous coats. 8. London, UK London Pride is a landmark event for the UK, with a massive parade that flows through the West End, bringing out thousands in full rainbow mode. This year, it falls on 28 June 2025 — aligning with the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. The main stage in Trafalgar Square hosts speeches and performances, while Soho's bars and clubs keep the energy high well into the night. London's Pride is political but celebratory, filled with community, protest, and unapologetic joy. 9. Tel Aviv, Israel Tel Aviv Pride is the Middle East's largest LGBTQ+ event, and it's unlike anything else in the region. The week-long celebration peaks with a beachside parade drawing over 250,000 people, complete with floats, DJs, and endless dancing. The city's liberal vibe, sunny weather, and thriving queer nightlife scene make it a top pick for travellers. Pride Month in Tel Aviv also includes film screenings, art shows, and activism centred around equality and inclusion.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
KIEHL'S PARTNERS WITH THE ALI FORNEY CENTER AND CELEBRATES PRIDE THROUGH "LOVE LETTERS" CAMPAIGN
NEW YORK, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kiehl's Since 1851 is expanding upon its longstanding mission to support the LGBTQIA2+ community through its new "Love Letters" Pride campaign. The campaign highlights the brand's Open Doors platform – a year-round commitment to supporting LGBTQIA2+ homeless youth. To further support the mission, Kiehl's is proud to continue its philanthropic partnership for the 2nd year in a row with the Ali Forney Center, a non-profit that provides LGBTQIA2+ youth with warm, supportive environments to escape the streets and prepare them for independent living. Their services include a 24/7 drop-in center, transitional housing, job readiness training, and health resources. In 2025, Kiehl's has committed to donating $150,000* to the Ali Forney Center to help provide safe, temporary housing as well as life-saving and developmental services to over 2200 LGBTQIA2+ homeless youth. Kiehl's recognizes that physical spaces are not always enough. To further promote the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQIA2+ youth, Kiehl's is launching the "Love Letters" campaign to provide a safe emotional space for the community. Through this campaign, the brand is going beyond offering safe physical spaces and is providing its community with safe emotional spaces too. Kiehl's has joined forces with LGBTQIA2+ creators, such as Alyssa Edwards from RuPaul's Drag Race, community members, and local non-profit partners to share heartfelt letters of appreciation to those who gave them a safe space to be their authentic selves. As Kiehl's comes together to celebrate the LGBTQIA2+ community this Pride, they want to help others share their story, loud and proud. They're inviting all to take pen to paper to honor the safe spaces they've discovered or created for themselves and others, along their journey. "For over 170 years, Kiehl's has been a leading brand in inclusivity and care no matter the form," said John Reed, General Manager of Kiehl's Since 1851. "Our continued partnership with the Ali Forney Center reflects our enduring commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for LGBTQIA2+ youth and uplifting the communities that have always been at the heart of our brand." In addition to the partnership and campaign, Kiehl's is continuing their work via the Open Doors platform, launched in select countries in 2024, in which the brand partners with local non-profit organizations worldwide to provide those in need with necessities to live and resources to thrive. Kiehl's has a rich history of advocacy supporting the LGBTQIA2+ community dating back to the late 1980s. From supporting various HIV/Aids organizations to launching philanthropic initiatives and sponsoring NYC Pride – efforts that have collectively culminated in $1.4+ million donated to LGBTQIA2+ causes since 2015. A few key findings demonstrate the urgency of Ali Forney Center's mission and the importance of our partnership to raise awareness of these life-saving services: 40% of homeless youth in New York City are LGBTQIA2+ 80% of the youth the Ali Forney Center serve are kicked out of their homes and families due to their LGBTQIA2+ identity 85% of youth in the Ali Forney Center's program are enrolled in mental health counseling services, STD education prevention, testing and treatment 80% of youth graduate the Ali Forney Center into independent living compared to the national average of 25% "We are immensely grateful and humble to Kiehl's for their unwavering partnership and generous support of the Ali Forney Center. As a brand deeply committed to community impact, Kiehl's has played a vital role in helping us provide life-saving services to LGBTQIA2+ homeless youth," said Alex Roque, President and Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center. "Their dedication goes beyond philanthropy; they have stood beside us as true allies in our mission to protect and empower some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Together, we are creating a more compassionate world where all young people are given the opportunity to thrive and their courage and beauty the opportunity to shine." To learn more about Kiehl's Open Doors platform, Ali Forney Center and the Pride "Love Letters" campaign, visit Live Your Pride With Kiehl's - Healthy Skin for All - Kiehl's. About Kiehl's Open DoorsKiehl's Since 1851 proudly launches a new global philanthropic initiative, Kiehl's Open Doors, providing safe, temporary housing, as well as life tools and developmental resources to LGBTQIA2+ homeless youth. About Kiehl's Since 1851Kiehl's was founded as an old-world apothecary in New York's East Village neighborhood. Kiehl's unique, extensive background represents a blend of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal knowledge developed and passed on through the generations. Over the years, longtime customer favorite formulations such as Ultra Facial Cream, Micro Dose Anti-Aging Retinol, Avocado Eye Cream, Ultra Facial Cleanser, Creme de Corps, and new formulas such as Better ScreenTM UV Serum SPF 50+, Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalene Cream, and Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser have been created with uniquely efficacious, natural ingredients and the education and knowledge culled from generations of research and requests from our customers. About The Ali Forney CenterThe Ali Forney Center (AFC) is the nation's largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to protecting LGBTQ +youth from the harms of homelessness. Each year AFC sees more than 2,200 young people who are kicked out of their homes due to homophobia and transphobia and offers homeless LGBTQ+ youth a 24-hour Drop In Hub located in midtown Manhattan and 17 scatter-site housing units in four of the five NYC Boroughs. Ninety percent of the young people we see state religious beliefs as the leading cause of their homelessness, a staggering 95 percent of our clients are individuals of color largely from the Black and Latino communities. Nearly half of these young people come to NYC from across the country, mainly the south, fleeing homophobic and transphobic homes. Lastly, as the largest and longest running agency doing this work, we support smaller organizations and groups of activists that aim to support similar populations. Through capacity building and conferences, we expand our reach across the United States and throughout the world. In our most recent conference in March 2023, we hosted 55 people from 24 different organizations from across the country and internationally. *Kiehl's Since 1851 supports Ali Forney Center in their mission to protect homeless Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning youth from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to be independent with a financial contribution of $150,000.00 in 2025. Kiehl's financial support of the Ali Forney Center is not influenced by the purchase of any Kiehl's product and Ali Forney Center does not endorse any Kiehl's product. For more information please visit: For press inquiries, please contact:Rachel WeinstockSenior Manager, Brand Engagement, Kiehl's Since View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kiehl's Since 1851 Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
The Mainichi
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Pride events face budget shortfalls as US corporations pull support ahead of summer festivities
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Many U.S. corporations this year stopped supporting Pride events that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and rights, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in budget shortfalls ahead of the summer festivities and raising questions about corporate America's commitment to the cause. The moves come as President Donald Trump has shown antipathy for trans protections and has attempted to roll back some LGBTQ+ friendly federal policies. Experts also note that a growing slice of the public has grown tired of companies taking a stance on social and political issues. San Francisco Pride, the nonprofit that produces one of the country's largest and best-known LGBTQ+ celebrations, is facing a $200,000 budget gap after corporate donors dropped out. In Kansas City, Missouri, KC Pride lost about $200,000 -- roughly half its annual budget. Heritage of Pride, the umbrella organization behind NYC Pride and other LGBTQ+ events in New York City, is fundraising to narrow a $750,000 budget gap after companies withdrew. Meanwhile, Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch ended its sponsorship of PrideFest in St. Louis, Missouri, its home base, after 30 years, leaving organizers with a $150,000 budget shortfall. In response, many Pride organizations have canceled some dance parties, reduced the number of stages, hired less pricey headliners and no longer give volunteers free food or T-shirts. But the core celebrations will go on. In San Francisco, this year's Pride theme is "Queer Joy is Resistance." In New York, it's "Rise Up: Pride in Protest," and, in Boston, it's "Here to Stay!" "If you come to Pride this year, that's a revolutionary act," said Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride. "You are sending a message to those in Washington that, here in San Francisco, we still have the same values that we've always had -- you can love who you love here. We're not going to retreat from that." Following media coverage of their retreat, some companies changed course but asked that their names not be affiliated with the events, the event organizers said. Corporations rethink Pride sponsorships San Francisco Pride earlier this year lost the support of five major corporate donors, including Comcast, Anheuser-Busch and Diageo, the beverage giant that makes Guinness beer and Smirnoff vodka. "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," Ford said. After the withdrawals drew attention, some corporations said they would donate but only anonymously, Ford said, declining to identify those companies. As of this week, neither Comcast, Anheuser-Busch nor Diageo appeared on the organization's website as sponsors of the June 29 festivities. It was unclear if they donated. Anheuser-Busch and Diageo didn't reply to emails from The Associated Press seeking comment. A spokesperson for Comcast also declined to comment but said some of its companies are sponsoring Silicon Valley Pride and Oakland Pride. NYC Pride spokesperson Chris Piedmont said about 20% of its corporate sponsors either dropped their support or scaled back, including New York-based PepsiCo and Nissan. Kyle Bazemore, Nissan North America's director of corporate communications, said the decision comes as the automaker reviews all of its marketing expenses to lower costs. PepsiCo did not return an email seeking comment. Piedmont said NYC Pride has also received anonymous corporate funding and that he appreciates the unpublicized support. "Writing a check to a nonprofit and supporting a nonprofit with no strings attached is stepping up to the plate," Piedmont said. Companies retreat from 'brand activism' The shift reflects how corporations are adjusting to a changing cultural landscape that began during the pandemic and accelerated with Trump's second term, experts said. "Companies are resourceful, they are clever at identifying trends and studying their environment and their customers' needs, but those needs change and corporations adjust," said Amir Grinstein, a marketing professor at Northeastern University. Corporations' presence in rainbow-filled Pride parades, concerts and dance parties became more ubiquitous after the landmark 2015 Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, as companies splashed their names on parade floats, rainbow flags and bright plastic bracelets. So-called brand activism reached its peak between 2016 to 2022, a period of social upheaval around the pandemic, police brutality and transgender rights, Grinstein said. But research has since found a growing number of American consumers don't want companies taking positions on such topics, said Barbara Kahn, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. "There have always been people who said, 'I don't want my toothpaste to have an opinion, I just want to use my toothpaste,' but the tide has shifted, and research shows there are more people that feel that way now," Kahn said. Pride organizers keep their distance from some corporations Meanwhile, Republican-led states have been passing legislation to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and LGBTQ+ rights, especially the ability of transgender young people to participate in sports or receive gender-affirming care. Trump signed executive orders on his first day in office that rolled back protections for transgender people and terminated federal DEI programs. Some companies followed suit by eliminating their DEI goals, prompting Pride organizations to sever ties. San Francisco's organizers cut ties with Meta after the parent company of Facebook and Instagram terminated its DEI goals and content moderation policies. Twin Cities Pride ended its relationship with Target over the Minneapolis-based retailer's curtailing of its DEI initiatives following a backlash from conservatives and the White House. The company's retreat from DEI policies led to a counter-boycott by civil rights advocates. Target announced in May that sales fell more than expected in the first quarter due to customer boycotts, tariffs and other economic factors. The company now offers only some Pride products at a few stores and online. Still, Rick Gomez, Target's chief commercial officer, told reporters in May that it's important to celebrate Heritage Months, which highlight different groups from Latinos to Asian Americans to the LGBTQ+ community. "They drive sales growth for us," he said. Asking the community for financial support First-time donations from individuals, foundations and local businesses have increased following corporate America's retreat. In Minneapolis, a crowdfunding campaign by Twin Cities Pride to fill a $50,000 funding gap raised more than $89,000. In San Francisco, two local foundations donated $55,000 combined. "This isn't the first year that there's been an inflammatory climate around Pride," said James Moran, a spokesperson for KC Pride, in Kansas City, Missouri. "We know that our community is looking for spaces that are meant for us, where we can celebrate but also process what's going on and build our own support networks."
