2025 NYC Pride Parade experiences significant decline in corporate sponsorship due to DEI backlash.
New York City’s Pride Parade is a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ community, attracting a large and diverse crowd every year. However, the 2025 parade marked the 55th anniversary of the event with a significant change: a noticeable decrease in corporate sponsorships along the parade route. This year’s theme, “Rise Up: Pride and Protest,” aimed to honor the legacy of the first Pride march in 1970, just after the Stonewall Inn riots.
It also reflected the mixed reactions to nationwide rollbacks of diversity and inclusion programs. Kazz Alexander, co-chair of NYC Pride, pointed out that while there was a decline of about $750,000 in sponsorship, the organization managed to raise $110,000 in just a few days from over 250 unique sponsors. This indicates a commitment to the cause despite financial challenges.
Many attendees expressed their disappointment at the reduced corporate presence. Norman Trotter, who recently moved from Los Angeles, felt hurt by companies pulling back, stating it feels like a betrayal after their previous support. Sophia Huf, visiting from Minnesota, echoed these sentiments, sharing concerns about companies scaling back their efforts in trans healthcare and other initiatives.
A survey by Gravity Research showed that 39% of corporations were reducing their participation in Pride events this year, a significant increase from just 9% last year. Many corporate executives expressed fear of backlash from conservative activists and consumers, which influenced their decisions to withdraw funding. The LGBTQ community is facing tough times, highlighted by recent Supreme Court decisions and global backlash against Pride events.
Yet, despite these challenges, participants at the New York parade emphasized the necessity of visibility and unity within the community. Trotter articulated the sentiment, declaring the importance of continued celebration and affirmation of their identities, underscoring their resilience and commitment to being seen.