June is recognized as Pride Month, a time for LGBTQ individuals and allies to celebrate and show resilience. After the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality in 2015 with Obergefell v. Hodges, corporate sponsors increased visibility, funding, and mainstream recognition for hundreds of Pride celebrations. In 2024 many corporations claimed budget constraints while scaling back Pride sponsorships, but political hostility toward diversity, equity, and inclusion has created a chilling effect. Support for LGBTQ+ communities is being withdrawn out of fear of being targeted, not financial inability. New York saw an estimated $750,000 corporate shortfall ahead of Pride, and San Francisco Pride severed ties with Meta after it eliminated internal diverse-hiring policies. Allies continue marching and volunteering, but corporate financial backing has declined.
In the United States, June has long been recognized as Pride Month - a time for LGBTQ individuals and allies to celebrate identity, progress, and resilience. Historically, this month has also been a time for partners in government and the private sector to voice their support for our community, not just with words but with action. After the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality in 2015 with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, corporate sponsors rushed to align with the outcome.
In 2024, many corporations cited "budget constraints" as their primary reason for scaling back their Pride sponsorships. But this year, the reasons are unmistakable. The current administration's open hostility toward diversity, equity, and inclusion has created a chilling effect. Support for LGBTQ+ communities is being withdrawn, not because companies can't afford to support us financially, but because they're afraid to.
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