Pittsburgh Pride marches on despite sponsor pullback
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Protesters wave a Pride flag during a demonstration at the Pennsylvania Capitol in February. Photo: Paul Weaver/Getty Images
Pittsburgh Pride organizers are rallying the LGBTQ+ community to turn out in force this weekend in the face of new federal policies and fewer corporate sponsors.
Why it matters: This year's Pride festival and parade — expected to draw roughly 200,000 people to Pittsburgh — lands as corporations nationwide pull back support for Pride events in response to President Trump's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Pride weekend attendance has ballooned in recent years to over 260,000 people last year, organizers said.
What they're saying: "This year, we're asking people to come out and be more visible because of the current administration's attacks against our community," Jeff Freedman, longtime parade organizer and this year's grand marshal, tells Axios. "The more they try to erase us, the more visible we will become."
Friction point: Freedman says Pittsburgh Pride has seen a marked decline in the number of national and local sponsors marching this year, representing tens of thousands of dollars.
- "We're seeing a lack of participation from many of our past sponsors," he says. "It's hit us financially hard."
By the numbers: Nationwide, 39% of corporations are scaling back external Pride Month engagements this year, per Gravity Research data — a sharp increase from last year, when only 9% said they were changing their external Pride engagement.
The big picture: Fewer companies may be participating this year, but everyone's invited to show support by joining Sunday's march, Freedman says.
- "The very front of our parade is for people who want to march," he says. "Anyone can join; there's no need for registration."
Zoom in: Pittsburgh Pride kicks off Friday with a Pride Prom and Kiki Ball, followed by a weekend of festivities organized by TransYOUniting, QBurgh, Proud Haven, and Trans Pride PGH.
- Expect more than 300 vendors, wellness resources, and dozens of free performances at Allegheny Commons Park West on the North Side. Headliners include former "American Idol" finalist David Archuleta and R&B singer Lil' Mo.
The Pride March and Parade begins Sunday at noon, starting on Liberty Avenue and 11th Street in Downtown and ending at Allegheny Commons Park West.
- Prime viewing spots include Liberty Avenue, the Andy Warhol Bridge, and Allegheny Commons.
- Downtown parking is free on Sundays.
If you go: Find the full vendor list, schedule, and shuttle information here.
- Check out more Pride celebrations this month in Ross Township, Lawrenceville, Mt. Lebanon, Millvale, Vandergrift, Bellevue and Forest Hills.