Corporations pull Pridefest sponsorships amid national policy shifts

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Corporations have withdrawn their sponsorships from Pridefest, an event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in Virginia.

The event, which relies heavily on corporate sponsorships for funding will occur in September, not during June -- Pride Month -- and will enter a period of "uncertainty," according to the Virginia Pride Director, James Millner.

“VA Pride, like many Pride organizations and nonprofits across the country, is navigating a period of uncertainty as shifting economic conditions and growing pushback against DEI initiatives impact the landscape of corporate sponsorships. While we have seen some changes this year, we are incredibly grateful for the strong, enduring partnerships we continue to have with the vast majority of our sponsors—most of whom remain deeply committed to standing with the LGBTQ+ community. This is an evolving situation, and we are continuing to adapt while staying focused on creating a PrideFest that uplifts, celebrates, and provides a safe space for all.” James Millner, Virginia Pride Director

Pridefest, the biggest celebration of the community, will be held at Midtown Green from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, according to a social post from Virginia Pride.

The announcement comes with major anxiety over President Donald Trump's approach to LGBTQ+ rights, including opposition to transgender rights -- with orders to recognize people as being only male or female, keep transgender girls and women out of sports competitions for females, oust transgender military troops, restrict federal funding for gender-affirming care for transgender people under age 19 and threaten research funding for institutions that provide the care.

As of the time of reporting, Virginia Pridefest declined to share how many and which corporations have pulled out of this year's pride event and what the fiscal impact of their pulling out is expected to be.