Latest news with #Pride-themed
New York Post
19 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
BarkBox CEO apologizes after leaked memo exposes plan to axe ‘politically charged' Pride marketing
BarkBox CEO Matt Meeker apologized after a leaked message from a staffer on Reddit exposed the company's plans to axe marketing for its Pride campaign out of fear it would 'feel more like a political statement.' The subscription service delivers dog toys and treats to customers' door fronts monthly, and has been selling Pride-themed products as optional add-ons for the past four years. 'While celebrating Pride is something we may value, we need to acknowledge that the current climate makes this promotion feel more like a political statement than a universally joyful moment for all dog people,' a staffer said in the leaked message. 4 BarkBox sells dog toys and treats in a monthly subscription service. Sergi Alexander The employee argued that if BarkBox wasn't comfortable promoting 'another politically charged symbol (like a MAGA-themed product), it's worth asking whether this is the right moment to run this particular campaign.' Meeker, who co-founded the $236 million company in 2011, on Wednesday confirmed the leaked message was from a BarkBox employee and issued an apology on the company's Instagram account. 'The message was disrespectful and hurtful to the LGBTQIA+ community, and as the CEO of BARK, I'm responsible for that,' Meeker wrote. 'I do not agree with the content of the message. It wasn't good, it doesn't reflect our values, and I'm deeply sorry that it happened.' He said BarkBox is still selling Pride-themed dog products on its site, though he did not comment on whether the company killed its marketing push for the collection. BarkBox did not immediately respond to an inquiry about whether the marketing campaign was canceled. 4 BarkBox CEO Matt Meeker apologized on Wednesday over the leaked message. REUTERS The company donates a portion of the profits from the collection to an LGBTQIA+ nonprofit each year, Meeker said. It will up that commitment to 100% of the revenue this year, he added. His apology followed swift backlash online from customers and former employees who slammed the message as offensive and hurtful. 'So @barkbox compared being LBGTQ+ to being MAGA, so if you give a f— about queer people, cancel your subscription today!' one user wrote in a post on X. 4 A leaked BarkBox employee message that circulated on Reddit. Reddit Another wrote: 'My former employer paused all marketing on Pride toys and cancelled donating the proceeds to a great org because… *checks notes* … a single bigot doesn't understand how BarkBox works? You literally have to CHOOSE and PAY MORE for the Pride toys.' BarkBox is just the latest company entrenched in a scandal over its marketing of Pride products. Mass boycotts against Target for a Pride collection that included kid's clothing and Bud Light for partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney hurt the company's bottom lines. Pride events taking place this month have seen some major sponsors retreat as they fear retribution from customers and the Trump administration, which has been targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs. 4 A BarkBox subscription box filled with movie-themed dog toys and treats. BarkBox Longtime sponsors of New York City's Pride March, including Mastercard, Citi, PepsiCo and Nissan, this year chose not to renew the funding. 'This isn't about backing away from support – it's about tone and ensuring our marketing remains inclusive and welcoming to everyone in our community,' the leaked BarkBox message said. 'Right now, pushing this promo risks unintentionally sending the message that 'we're not for you' to a large portion of our audience.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Cocktail for a Cause': Order This Off The Maybourne Beverly Hills Menu, Proceeds Go to LGBTQ+ Human Rights
'Cocktail for a Cause': Order This Off The Maybourne Beverly Hills Menu, Proceeds Go to LGBTQ+ Human Rights originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Kicking off an impassioned 'cheers' to Pride Month, The Maybourne Beverly Hills is serving up drinks that play a special role in the summer season. With each strawberry basil margarita ordered, money is donated to the Human Rights Campaign, a charity that empowers LGBTQ+ in the heart of Los Angeles, The Maybourne Hotel Beverly Hills is celebrating its inclusion of any and all guests ready to experience Californian luxury. All throughout the month of June, a portion of the proceeds from this Pride-themed cocktail will go directly to the charity, which works to provide fearless lives for marginalized people 'I wanted to create a cocktail that leans into the seasonal summer ingredients, and you can never go wrong with strawberries,' says Paul Zahn, cocktail connoisseur at this recipe from Zahn to recreate at home:1.5 oz. Cincoro Blanco Tequila.075 oz. Lime Juice0.5 oz. Agave0.5 oz. Orange LiqueurBasilMuddled strawberriesMuddle strawberries, basil with lime juice and agave. Add liqueur and tequila. Shake. Double strain and garnish with a strawberry Maybourne Beverly Hills, which celebrates European charm with Californian flair, is an iconic centerpiece for the opulent neighborhood of Beverly Hills, known for its renowned shopping and celebrity sightings. Experience the views of The Terrace or have lunch at legendary NYC spot Dante, now open for its West Coast debut. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Axios
2 days ago
- General
- Axios
How to get around D.C. during WorldPride this weekend
There are several colorful ways to get around town during this weekend's packed lineup of WorldPride events. Why it matters: Plenty of road closures could affect traffic, so plan your transportation ahead of time. State of play: Pride flag-wrapped Lime scooters and e-bikes are currently stationed throughout the city, Lime tells Axios. And rides are free for festival staff, volunteers and performers. Metro has Pride-wrapped buses and trains, too, and is increasing rail service between Friday and Sunday. Metro will close at 2am on Friday and Saturday and at midnight on Sunday. It will open at 6am on Saturday and Sunday. The Yellow Line will be extended to Greenbelt on Saturday and Sunday. Plus: Capital Bikeshare also has Pride-themed bikes across the city and will have bike valets who will take your bike if you can't find a parking spot at docks near this weekend's events. Bike valets will be at the following docking stations:
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
12 Pride Month 2025 Collections from Brands We Can Actually Get Behind
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Pride Month, as a summer-long celebration of diversity, acceptance and love, will continue on this year — though not without controversy. Within the past year or two, it seems to have become more socially acceptable for brands to scale back on or forgo entirely releasing 'Pride-themed' collaborations. We'd already seen merch get pulled before under the guise of 'safety' when faced with conservative backlash or controversy. But in a climate where brands like Target are rescinding many DEI efforts for employees — joining American corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and Ford — the companies who are still releasing Pride Month collections in 2025 are starting to stand out from the pack. More from Rolling Stone How to Watch the Zverev vs. Djokovic French Open Quarterfinal Today $100 Off the Apple Watch, and 9 Other Smartwatch Deals Worth Shopping How to Watch the Coco Gauff vs. Madison Keys French Open Quarterfinal Brands working with the LGBTQ community isn't new, but we've seen many more companies this year either choose to stay silent on their support (Nordstrom, Gap, and Kohl's, who all highlighted Pride Month efforts last year, have not done so this June), or pull their funding from Pride events entirely. According to a survey of more than 200 corporate executives by Gravity Research (a risk management advisory), 39% say they plan to scale back public Pride Month engagements this year. According to a YouGov study in 2024, though, nearly half of Americans say they prefer brands that are willing to get involved in social issues (the number jumps to 64% from just LGBTQ-identified respondents alone). Authenticity is clearly key here, and despite industry-wide hesitancy, the brands that are putting their money where their mouth is are choosing to donate to worthy causes and stand up to hate. We've rounded up several collaborations to shop for Pride Month 2025, from brands that are using their platform for good. Each of these collections either partner with LGBTQ artists, or have a portion of proceeds go to support a number of prominent and worthwhile causes. shop Now on levi's While any brand can just slap a rainbow on their usual offerings, Levi's 'Meet You In the Park' Pride collection this year is inspired by queer liberation iconography, paying homage to the history of togetherness and the importance of safe spaces for all LGBTQIA+ folks. This release comes off the heels of a majority of the company's shareholders overwhelmingly shutting down an attempt to roll back DEI initiatives. Levi's Pride 2025 collection was inspired by 'nightlife and early queer meeting spaces', taking design cues from historic queers symbols like the inverted pink triangle (a Nazi-era symbol that was worn by gay detainees in concentration camps), which was reclaimed in the Seventies by gay rights movement leaders. Levi's team also took visual references of the Archives of the GLBT Historical Society, especially for a denim jacket with the phrase 'I know you know' on the back, and the rainbow-themed patchwork and embroidered on their hats and shirts. $30.00 Buy Now on levi's How they support the community: Levi's also makes an annual $100,000 donation to OutRight Action International, a nonprofit working year-round to defend and advance human rights for LGBTQ people around the globe. shop Now on converse No matter how you celebrate Pride this year, whether you're packed in at a parade or just chilling at a bar with close friends, chances are you're going to need some sweet kicks as part of your Pride fit. Converse (who has some of our favorite footwear for festivals), has launched their eleventh annual 'Proud to Be' collection, a small but funky capsule of limited-edition versions of their best-selling sneakers. 'Converse has always stood with the proud, the daring and the unapologetic,' the website states. The 2025 collection reimagines iconic silhouette like the Chuck 70 and the Chuck Taylor All Star Lift Double Stack (now in bold animal prints), along with releasing the new Chuck Taylor All Star XXHi, a knee-high shoe with gradient rainbow flames. $110.00 Buy Now on converse How they support the community: Converse offers year-round support through annual grants, stating on their site that they've 'pledged and donated nearly $3.4M to local, national, and international organizations since we first launched our annual Pride campaign and collection in 2015.' Their current LGBTQ+ non-profit partners are listed as It Gets Better, The Ali Forney Center, Bagly, The Theatre Offensive, COC Netherlands, Homotopia and Iglyo. shop Now on skullcandy For those who's got their Pride playlist ready to play on blast, Skullcandy is turning up the volume this year with their 'All Love' collection of audio gear. With a Western rodeo theme (very apropos of the ongoing Cowboy Carter Tour), the site reads: 'Yeehaw, honey. Our Love Collection is here and they're riding in LOUD. Whether you're stompin' through the desert, strutting the main stage, these baddies are made to be seen and heard.' The collection features updated rainbow chrome versions of their Icon ANC headphones and pint-sized Dime Evo earbuds. The Dime Evo earbuds comes with a clip-on case and feature a noise-canceling fit with 36 hour battery life, while the Icon ANC headphones pack in active noise cancellation, a 60-hour battery, and better call quality with Skullcandy's Clear Voice Smart Mic. $59.99 Buy Now on skullcandy How they support the community: For the fourth year in a row, Skullcandy will donate a portion of the proceeds to To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), a nonprofit that connects the LGBTQIA+ community with the mental health resources they deserve. shop now on diesel For their third annual Pride collab, Diesel is teaming up with the Tom of Finland Foundation to drop a new collection coinciding with the organization's 40th anniversary. This year, a new set of artists from the foundation have taken selections from the erotic and queer art of Tom of Finland (the pseudonym of Touko Valio Laaksonen, a renowned Finnish homoerotic artist). The 'genderless' pieces range from T-shirts, to denim and even jockstraps with illustrations depicting cruising scenes of cops, construction workers and leather daddies. Some items in the collection also feature joyful images from Tom of Finland Foundation parties and fundraising events that took place between 1990 and 2005 (all the models shot in the campaign were also cast on Grindr). $195 Buy Now on diesel How they support the community: Proceeds from the Diesel Pride campaign will go to the Tom of Finland Foundation, which works to protect, preserve, document and educate the public about his work and other erotic artists. shop now on mac cosmetics Just in time for Pride festivities, Mac is launching its 'Viva Glam' campaign, featuring a new lipgloss co-created with Grammy-winning pop star Kim Petras. Along with being the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy, Petras was also the face of Mac's Pride month campaign last year. Her limited-edition 'Viva Glam KIMmitment Lipglass Air' comes in a shimmering red new colorway with a formula that 'shines like glass. Feels like air.' The blend of pure botanical oils (like coconut and jojob) gives it a non-sticky shine that'll stay on nearly all day and feel lightweight on your lips. Plus, each do-gooder gloss comes embossed with Petras' own signature. $26.00 Buy Now on mac cosmetics How they support the community: Mac is committing to one of their largest Pride donations ever, not only donating 100% of the proceeds from the limited-edition lip gloss, but also pledging $1 million to LGBTQ+ charity partners, including The Trevor Project, Hetrick-Martin Institute, and It Gets Better. shop now on eyebuydirect With gradient rainbows, and bold color blocks, Eyebuydirect's 2025 Pride Collection celebrates every shade of pride. With an emphasis on personal expression, this line of frames includes customizable options and bold, retro-inspired frames like 'Stand Proud' and 'Make Change'. You'll find everything from rainbow-hued sunglasses in heart-shaped frames, to wire-frame prescription glasses in bright colors (the frames are all available sans-prescription, too, if you just want a stylish accessory). Running from now through June 30, the company is also collaborating with queer creators to amplify the message of the campaign. $66.00 Buy Now on eyebuydirect How they support the community: For the sixth year in a row, Eyebuydirect is partnering with The Trevor Project for Pride Month (they've donated over $230,000 since 2020 alone). Through June 30 of this year, 100% of the proceeds from their Pride Collection (up to $25,000), will be donated to help support LGBTQ+ youth. This Pride month has been a big win for inclusive athletic lines, and Puma is no different (another brand who have adamantly refused to roll back their support for DEI initiatives). This June, the The Equal Love Confederation is making sure all athletes feels represented, offering an exclusive line of vibrant street styles and sporty apparel inspired by 'the energy of the pitch with a dose of Y2K nostalgia, and the fluidity of shared closets.' Aimed at promoting visibility to the many voices of the LGBTQ+ community in sports, the gender-inclusive pieces are full of classic football silhouettes reimagined with bold colors and statement graphics (great for wearing to the stadium or your local parade). Puma's Pride 2025 collection also gives nod to terrace style footwear with a fresh twist with their Palermo Pride sneaker and Easy Rider Pride sneaker. $100.00 Buy Now on puma How they support the community: Puma is partnering again with The Trevor Project, supporting LGBTQ+ mental health and making a more inclusive environment for queer athletes in youth sports through initiatives like #REFORMTheLockerRoom. shop now on abercrombie & fitch Paying a vibrant tribute to the joy, strength, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, the Abercrombie 2025 Pride collection is full of brand new gender-inclusive pieces. This drop also lets you celebrate the community all year long, because beyond the typical rainbow fare (and a delightful Fire Island shirt), Abercrombie's Pride capsule includes odes to musicians beloved by their LGBTQ+ fans — from Britney Spears, to Lady Gaga and Orville Peck. As a whole, there are 15 new pieces ranging from $40-$90 including tops, pants, and accessories, and exceedingly rare these days, a six-piece Pride capsule for kids, ranging from $19.95 -$49.95. $40.00 Buy Now on a&F How they support the community: Abercrombie has raised over $5 million for The Trevor Project to date, and Pride 2025, the brand will donate $400,000 to the organization this year, regardless of sales. shop now on chubbies Summer's here, and if you're in desperate need of some new swim trunk kicks to wear to the bazillion pool parties this June, Chubbies 2025 Pride collection has got you covered. This year's capsule features a reimagined version of the brand's signature Neon Lights print, now layered with icons that honor LGBTQ+ culture and history. Each element, from the Pink Triangle to Red Shoes (a nod to 'Friends of Dorothy') and Bricks (a tribute to Stonewall), was thoughtfully chosen to represent a deeper story and shared experience of the community. The designs were a collaboration between Chubbies employees and actual customers from the LGBTQ+ community. $79.50 Buy Now on chubbies How they support the community: For each Pride style sold, Chubbies will donate $5 to Foundation 43, the nonprofit founded by Chubbies to provide access to effective mental health care and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. The company is partnership with with organizations like The Trevor Project, Black Men Heal, Active Minds, and more. shop now on jansport As functional as they are funky, this Pride month, JanSport is giving you the wearable equivalent of a best friend's pep talk. With a focus on supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth, the Affirmation Pride version of their Superbreak Plus pack is covered in positive affirmations including 'You Are Loved.' Along with written affirmations, the new backpack features illustrations of rainbows and hearts, designed in collaboration with creators Jae Matthiesen, Dakota Wright and more. You take these bags to school, on day trips, or even to your next Pride parade. But JanSport shows that you don't need to cover your merch in just rainbows to support the community. $42.00 Buy Now on jansport How they support the community: Like many others, JanSport continues to support The Trevor Project year-round. Over the past five years, the brand has donated more than $250,000 to the organization. shop now on brooklinen One of our favorite bedding brands, Brooklinen, is back with their iconic Pride towel — and it's still serving softness, stripes, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride Stripe Beach Towel has returned for another year and is ready to make a splash all over again. Made with an elevated velour front and ultra-soft terry back, this oversized 34″ x 70″ towel is ready for everything from picnics in the park, to to Fire Island getaways, to rooftop hangs that go long into the night. Not only is it super plush, but it's also quick-drying if you need to towel down after a dip. $69.00 Buy Now on brooklinen How they support the community: Brooklinen is once again donating 100% of June proceeds to The Center, an affirming community center supporting NYC's LGBTQ+ population. shop Now on saucony Keith Haring was a visionary queer artist whose artwork was equal parts bold and accessible, and Saucy has partnered with the Haring studio to carry on 'his timeless message of unity' with their Pride 2025 collection. The Keith Haring x Saucony capsule features a bold makeover of three Saucony sneaker styles, including the ProGrid Triumph 4, the Ride 18, and the Shadow 6000 ($145-$175). Sizes will range from 5, 5.5 – 10, 11, 12 in Women's and 7, 7.5 – 11, 12, 13, 14 in Men's. Inspired by the the late artist's vibrant style, the footwear is full of splashes of color from the traditional rainbow and transgender Pride flags. You can also peep signature Haring details, from the genderless figures dancing across the sole and laces, to his iconic 'Love' tag. Saucony has described this collection as 'not a traditional collaboration,' but a 'tribute' in honor of Haring's work. $145.00 Buy Now on saucony How they support the community: Saucony's Pride line was made with care and permission from the Haring Studio and Artestar, who manage Haring's legacy. While Haring is no longer with us, his impact endures, and this collection was developed to celebrate that spirit authentically. Best of Rolling Stone The Best Audiophile Turntables for Your Home Audio System
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Corporations Are Pulling Financial Support From Pride — Even Beyond Trump's Reach
LGBTQ+ pride festivals around the country have lost millions of dollars in corporate sponsorships this year, as more companies fear being targeted by the Trump administration over their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Nearly a fourth of corporate donors to NYC Pride, including Mastercard, Citi, Pepsi, Nissan and PwC, pulled sponsorships totaling an estimated $750,000. At WorldPride, held this year in Washington, D.C., consulting giants Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte dropped their sponsorships and have lost nearly $260,000 in funding. Anheuser-Busch, the brewer for the brands Budweiser and Bud Light, withdrew sponsorship from pride events in San Francisco and Columbus, and in St. Louis where the company is headquartered. The sharp decline in corporate sponsorship for pride festivals this year comes as President Donald Trump has threatened anything related to DEI and associated with the LGBTQ+ community ― and corporations have retreated their support. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order declaring DEI initiatives 'illegal and immoral discrimination,' and announced the termination of all federal offices and grants related to DEI training. In a second order, Trump vowed to end the federal funding of 'gender ideology,' a right-wing term that is used to refer to the existence of transgender people and their rights. Over the last decade, corporate America began to increasingly support Pride festivals after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in 2015. Pride-themed and rainbow-colored products, from clothing to credit cards, had become so universal at retailers each June that some began to critique corporate support as 'rainbow capitalism.' Critics lamented that corporations only supported LGBTQ+ communities with big displays during Pride while being silent the rest of the year ― or in some cases donating millions to anti-LGBTQ politicians. Some have argued that corporate support was at odds with the liberatory origins of the festivities. 'The older generation was fighting for acceptance. They said, 'We want to be part of the whole, we don't want to be separated from everybody. We want to be part of the group,'' Tim Bennett, the former marketing director at Subaru told Marketplace in 2021. 'And Pride is, you know, more of a festival and a corporate party in some regards. It's no longer the kind of activism that it used to be.' The first Pride parade was held in 1970 in New York City, one year after trans and queer people spent several days protesting police harassment outside of the Stonewall Inn in what became known as the Stonewall Uprising. But now, as the Trump administration has launched a war against LGBTQ+ rights and DEI initiatives, we're seeing that corporate America is too scared to don a rainbow flag even outside of the country. Five prominent American companies ― Google, Home Depot, Nissan, Adidas and Clorox ― said they were suddenly pulling their financial support of Pride Toronto, Canada's largest pride festival. 'These are American companies and they are showing their true colors, Kojo Modest, the executive director of Pride Toronto told the Guardian. 'We thought they were with the community, but clearly, they're not.' The corporate exodus from Pride events follows a trend of companies shifting away from publicly supporting LGBTQ+ communities in recent years, as dozens of states have passed laws restricting trans people's rights to access medical care, play school sports, use bathrooms and participate in public life. In the past two years, right-wing social media influencers have targeted specific companies that have publicly supported LGBTQ+ communities. In 2023, conservatives pressured consumers to boycott Anheuser-Busch's beer, Bud Light, after Dylan Mulvaney, a trans TikTok personality, appeared in a short video promoting the beer. Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Marsha Blackburnlater called for a Senate investigation into the company's partnership with Mulvaney, baselessly claiming that the company was marketing products to young audiences. That same year, conservatives also boycotted Target's line of Pride Month merchandise, and the company saw its first quarterly sales drop in six years. In the aftermath of the boycott, Target officials told investors that the company would have to 'adapt and learn.' Trump's open hostility toward the trans community coupled with his efforts to reduce government spending and implement tariffs have made this year's economic climate less than opportune for investors looking to support Pride events. The downward trend has even trickled down to local pride events that have already struggled to garner financial support. Last year, Stevie Miller helped start up the first pride event in West Plains, a deep red city in southern Missouri. With a shoestring budget, he and his co-organizers were able to host 900 people. Since then they have turned the festival into a nonprofit organization to support drag shows, educational panels and community events throughout the year. Miller said he tried to get in contact with various corporate sponsors without much luck, and said that the nonprofit is largely supported by LGBTQ+ organizations within Missouri and from funds raised through a drag and art show. 'There has been a level of difficulty due to hostility,' Miller said to HuffPost. 'There is a small town mentality that would rather we left than proudly celebrate here so many local businesses have been silent.'
