Latest news with #PrideFestival
CBC
21 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Pride Toronto says it's lost 2 more sponsors ahead of annual 2SLGBTQ+ festival
Social Sharing Pride Toronto says it has lost two more sponsors of its annual 2SLGBTQ+ festival beginning in June, while another sponsor has reduced its financial support. Home Depot and Google have told the non-profit organization they will not contribute to Pride festivities in Toronto this year, while pharmaceutical company Merck Canada said it will reduce its contribution, according to Kojo Modeste, executive director of Pride Toronto. Modeste said the loss of support will have a "significant impact" on how the organization will be able to deliver the festival. Pride Toronto has commitments with more than 300 artists, most of whom are Canadian. But Modeste added that the Pride festival will not be any smaller. "It is sad," Modeste said on Thursday. "We were relying heavily on a lot of these sponsors that have been showing up year after year. It is sad not just for us as an organization, but the artists and the community that look forward to everything that Pride has to offer." Pride Toronto amplifies the 2SLGBTQ+ community through its festival, but "this is bringing us back," Modeste said. Home Deport confirmed to CBC Toronto that it has withdrawn its sponsorship. Google has not responded to requests for comment. In a statement on Thursday, Home Depot said: "We work with an extensive network of non-profits made up of thousands of local and national organizations to amplify our support to the communities we serve. We continually review our non-profit giving and decided not to contribute to this event this year with no agreement in place to do so. "We continue to participate in Pride activities throughout Canada and look forward to working with Toronto Pride on future opportunities." 'We need resources at this point': executive director In an email on Friday, Merck Canada said it cannot comment on its sponsorship of Pride Toronto "as discussions with the organization are still ongoing." Modeste said the organization plans to appeal to individuals who may be able to donate, Canadian companies that support the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and the provincial and federal governments. "Let's talk because we need resources at this point," Modeste said. Modeste said other sponsors, namely Nissan Canada and Adidas, have also not renewed their sponsorships, while The Abnormal Beauty Company and Tim Hortons have lowered their contribution amounts. In a statement on Thursday, Nissan Canada said the decision was based on its marketing priorities and a budget evaluation for the new fiscal year that began April 1. "Nissan Canada has been a proud sponsor of Pride Toronto for 2023 and 2024, among other external and internal initiatives. Unfortunately, we will not be able to sponsor this year's event in Toronto, a local decision solely due to a reevaluation of all our marketing and media activations in a variety of activities to ensure we will efficiently support our new product launches and marketing campaigns coming in 2025," Nissan Canada said. "We look forward to finding new opportunities to collaborate and contribute in the future." In February, Pride Toronto said three large corporate sponsors pulled their funding from the festival this year in a move Modeste said at the time was connected to a backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in the U.S. Modeste did not name the sponsors who withdrew at the time because Pride Toronto was hoping to do business with them in the future. Artin Avaznia, a solo dance artist who is producing a event called Underground Pride at the Drake Hotel Underground on June 28, said when sponsors pull out, it creates fewer opportunities for artists such as himself. He said he thinks the sponsors who dropped out were likely more interested in highlighting themselves than amplifying queer voices and visibility. "We're a very resilient community. A lot of us have had to deal with very real life scenarios, whether it's rejection from friends, family, dealing with a lot of housing issues, addiction issues. But we always rise." "So they could pull out their money, but... that won't erase our impact on culture." Festival will highlight transgender, non-binary community Modeste said the festival will go on, urging members of the public to come and show their support. "We do have a plan in place. So I would say to folks, don't be worried," Modeste said. "I believe we're going to survive. The 2SLGBTQ+ community has been in worse positions and we did not stay there. I believe Canadians will come forward and will show up for Pride Toronto and other Prides across Canada who are feeling the heat of of the backlash." Pride Month, which kicks off June 1 in Toronto, will highlight the transgender and non-binary community. The theme of the Pride Toronto festival this year is "All In." On its website, the organization says the theme is "a call to come together to stand together in unshakable solidarity. It's a promise to show up for one another every single day, united in our fight for a future where everyone can live unapologetically as they are."
Metropolis Japan
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Tokyo Pride 2025
Experience the vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and inclusion at Tokyo Pride 2025, formerly known as Tokyo Rainbow Pride. This year's event marks a significant shift, aligning with global Pride Month in June and introducing a new name to reflect its broader scope. The theme for 2025 is 'Same Life, Same Rights', emphasizing equality and human rights for all. Pride Festival: Held on June 7–8 from 11am to 6pm at Yoyogi Park Event Plaza, the festival features booths from LGBTQ+ organizations, businesses, and food vendors, along with live performances on the Pride Stage. Pride Parade: Join the march on June 8, starting at 12pm, as participants walk a 3km route through Shibuya and Harajuku, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Pre-registration is required for participants. Pride Night: Celebrate the culmination of the weekend on June 8 from 6pm to midnight at AISOTOPE LOUNGE, featuring music and performances. This is a ticketed event. Youth Pride: Aimed at younger generations, this festival-style event takes place on June 14–15 at WITH HARAJUKU HALL, offering resources and networking opportunities. Queer Art Exhibition: From June 6–18, visit the exhibition at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku 'HaraKado' 3F, showcasing diverse artistic expressions from the LGBTQ+ community. Human Rights Conference: Engage in discussions on critical human rights issues on June 22. Details on the venue and schedule will be announced on the official website. Yoyogi Park Event Plaza ￥Most events are free and open to the public. However, some events, like Pride Night, require tickets.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Suffolk Pride fringe festival returns with a roller-disco
A Pride festival will host four weeks of events this June including a vigil, poetry performances and a Pride 2025 is billed as a month-long fringe festival rather than a single day of activities or a Lankester, the group's press officer, said: "Suffolk Pride is passionate about providing safe spaces for the local LGBTQIA+ community. "We work in collaboration with local businesses, organisations, and charities to foster the inclusivity and diversity that makes our county unique, and to improve overall wellbeing for queer people." The fringe starts with Pride Blooms on Saturday, 31 May at 19:00 BST on the Cornhill where people are asked to bring flowers to "remember those in our community who are no longer with us, who came before us and who paved the way".It will be followed by a march through town. Other events include:In-person board gamingPride Roller-DiscoPoetry and spoken word nightA youth takeoverA wellbeing walkThe full programme is here. Another event is a Queer Life Drawing session on Sunday, 15 June at Chip Studios in is run by the Liminal Gaze Collective who host monthly "untutored and non-hierarchical" Alex said: "Pride is a celebration of our diversity, our strength and resilience."To have Pride is to recognise the struggles of the past and to stand in the present shoulder to shoulder with those of us who are still struggling, and to dream of a future where every member of our community is liberated."Creative community spaces offer us a chance to trial possible futures and establish safer spaces where everyone is welcome to dream, create, learn and connect."In these spaces we can be our authentic selves, inspire and encourage others in our community, share knowledge, resources and make lasting friendships." Earlier this year the UK Supreme Court ruled that under the Equality Act, "woman" means a biological the ruling, trans people have spoken about their fears over how it might affect their legal rights and access to facilities, along with concerns that it may have emboldened those in society with transphobic arts organisations in Suffolk, including the New Wolsey Theatre, have since posted public statements affirming their support for trans artistic director Douglas Rintoul said: "As a theatre rooted in its community, we are committed to being a welcoming and inclusive space for all. "We are particularly mindful of the trans community in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, and we want to reaffirm our unwavering support." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
CBS News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
David Archuleta, Lil' Mo headlining 2025 Pittsburgh Pride festival
The Pittsburgh Pride festival is returning in 2025. Running from May 30 through June 1, the festival's theme this year is "YOUniting Diversity." The event will feature headlining musical performances from former "American Idol" finalist David Archuleta and legendary R&B singer Lil' Mo. In addition to concert festivities, the events will include over 300 vendors and 70 local performers. "This is a declaration. YOUniting Diversity is not just a theme. It is a call to stand shoulder to shoulder across every race, every gender, every voice. In a time when entire communities are under attack and the most vulnerable among us are being threatened, erased, and pushed to the edge, we stand our ground," said Dena Stanley, director of Pittsburgh Pride. Other weekend highlights include the Pride Prom, an "18 and over celebration of queer joy come dressed in what reflects your power, your beauty, and your truth," and Sunday's Pride parade, per an accompanying news release. The lineup for the parade begins at 10 a.m. Sunday with a step-off at noon in Downtown Pittsburgh. The route will lead to the festival grounds at Allegheny Commons Park West by 1 p.m. The parade will feature a local and national grand marshal. The local grand marshal will be Jeff Freedman, a longtime Pride organizer and Pittsburgh native, while the national grand marshal will be Lydia B. Kollins, a performer from "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 17" and "All Stars 10." Ticket and more event information can be found here.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'More important than ever': Bolton celebrates tenth annual Pride festival
The rainbow flags were out in force today (Saturday May 24) as Bolton celebrated its 10th annual Pride festival. Celebrations kicked off at 11am, when the pride parade set off from the university campus and made its way to Victoria Square in the town centre, where the stage was set for a day of performances. Leading the crowds was festival organiser and director of Bolton Pride Kev Wright. He said that the 'region was buzzing' for the event. The Bolton Pride parade preparing to leave the university campus (Image: The Bolton News)He told the Bolton News: 'It's really important that we continue to deliver this message of unity and acceptance. 'It's called Bolton Pride for a reason. READ MORE: Bolton Pride celebrates tenth anniversary this weekend Why Pride is so important "The 'pride' part is Bolton's pride, it's not just LGBT, it's not about being gay, it's about pride in where you live and that you live in a town where you accept all people of all cultures, faiths and sexual orientation.' As the parade made its way through the streets, which had been lined with rainbow bunting for the occasion, there was a lot of support from passers-by, who were beeping their car horns in support. Bolton's deputy mayor Cllr Andy Morgan led the parade along with Mona Moans. (Image: The Bolton News) Helping to create a carnival atmosphere were members of local dance groups, as well as representatives from the university and the LGBT group of Unison's Bolton branch. Bolton's deputy mayor Cllr Andy Morgan also joined the parade alongside festival host Mona Moans. People from all walks of life were in town to support the event. Students Khiara, 22 and, Katherine, 18, who are both study special effect make-up, were happy to see that the event was so inclusive, with children also taking part. Katherine said: 'This is my first pride and to me it's just a time to be inclusive and to accept people, where you can all celebrate and be happy about who we are or who we love, who we choose to love and even who we don't love. That's totally fine and acceptable.' Katherine and Khiara are students at the University of Bolton. They said it was great to see how inclusive the event is. (Image: The Bolton News) Jessie, 19, who was at Pride with their friend Eileen, said: 'It shows we're here and we're not just some invisible force that people can get rid of and no one's going to mind.' Elieen, 19, added: 'This is my first pride event. I think in the current climate these are more important than ever with how everything is turning around the globe. Particularly with certain governments, like Trump.' Cllr Kate Taylor, who was volunteering at the event, said: 'I think it's really important that we support this community, especially with what's going on currently, nationally and internationally. I think we really need to stand up for our LGBTQ community, particularly in Bolton. They are not always made to feel welcome. But I think if we put something on like this, we really showing our support for them.' Bolton Pride parade 2025 arriving in the town centre. (Image: The Bolton News) Paula Adrianne, 56, had travelled from Brighouse to attend Bolton Pride. She makes a point of visiting Pride events around the country whenever she can. She said: 'For every person like me that you see visible on the street, there will be another person hiding away, aware of who they are and what they are but too scared to do anything about it. What I'm trying to do is show that scared kid that's hiding themself away, that it is ok to be yourself, to come out, to live your life how you want to live it.' Bolton Pride continues tomorrow (May 25) from 11am to 5:30pm at Victoria Square. Sunday, will have more of a relaxed atmosphere, with a range of activities include Prideoke, raffles and games
