Our larger LGBTQ+ family is looking forward to Pride 2025 already. Given this recently unprecedented rise in legislative attacks multiplied by the withdrawal of corporate sponsors, organizers are at a greater disadvantage than ever before. Logan Casey, the policy director of MAP, tells us that at least 31 of these flag-related bills have emerged. These bills have been introduced to some degree in 17 other states. Pride organizers are concerned for the safety of Pride attendees. They’re feeling a huge weight in regards to the financial continuity of their events with all of the disruption and just the unstableness post pandemic.
Unfortunately, the landscape for Pride celebrations has changed dramatically. On May 7, Idaho became the first state to codify flying LGBTQ+ flags at government buildings and schools. Yet this withdrawal is part of a much bigger trend. As more states churn out dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, organizers and advocates must continue to pivot and prioritize safety and inclusivity in new ways.
A Growing Number of Flag-Related Bills
Logan Casey identified that flags are becoming a focal point in legislative discussions, and the bills in question vary significantly in scope.
“Some bills apply to all government property, while some apply to school settings only,” – Logan Casey.
This legislative climate has led to a highly political focus coming in Pride 2025. The Trump administration similarly focused a laser on DEI initiatives while rolling back trans rights. In practice though, this strategy has created a minefield for the would-be organizer. For millions of Americans, a new dark reality has set in. Pride celebrations have become much more than fabulous community events, they’ve become radical acts of political resistance.
“Some specifically name and prohibit LGBTQ-related flags, while others only allow certain flags like the national, state, or other governmental flags – and so LGBTQ-related ones are prohibited implicitly,” – Logan Casey.
The fiscal impacts of these recent developments are hard to overstate. Just this month, major Pride events—like San Francisco Pride—have already experienced the ripple effects of these corporate sponsors pulling out. The organization’s future became more uncertain recently after it lost key sponsorships from Anheuser-Busch, Comcast and Diageo. That created a $200,000 gap for what started as a planned $3.2 million event. Virginia’s Pridefest was one of the first to announce that two corporate sponsors had pulled out, sending shockwaves through the events about their financial viability.
Corporate Sponsorship Challenges
She pointed out the superficial nature of some corporate involvement:
This move towards community origin makes clear a broader movement. Today, Pride events are recognized as important stages for social justice movements, and they have evolved into much more than celebrations.
“Big sponsors supported Pride because they knew LGBTQ people had money in our wallets.”
Safety continues to be a key focus for organizers heading into Pride 2025. And recent violence sadly has made clear the volatility and danger that can erupt at these open public forums. In 2022, police foiled plans from a white nationalist group to instigate violence at a Pride event in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
“They weren’t making lasting change, they were just rainbow-washing their logos for the month of June. We had Pride before corporate sponsors paid us any attention.”
Chad Call expressed the sentiment shared by many within the community:
Safety Concerns and Community Resilience
Considering these ongoing challenges, numerous communities are pushing for the restoration of public safety. Ohio’s call for renewed safety efforts is a reminder of the importance of unity in these perilous times.
Positive attendance at events such as Columbus’s United in Pride has continued to flourish, despite dark days still to come. Last year, nearly 700,000 Americans participated in this fun, colorful celebration! This massive turnout continues to prove that Pride is an essential outlet for our community’s creative expression and resilience.
“We definitely have a target on our backs. But there is nothing they can do to prevent us from having Pride, unless more legislation is coming down, and that would be probably unconstitutional.”
In light of these challenges, many communities are rallying for increased public safety measures. Ohio’s call for heightened safety initiatives reflects the urgent need for solidarity amidst rising tensions.
Despite the challenges ahead, attendance at events like Columbus’s United in Pride has remained robust, with approximately 700,000 attendees in the previous year. This turnout reinforces the notion that Pride serves as a vital space for community expression and resilience.