St. Pete Pride's 2027 celebration at risk amid funding shortfall
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Participants march in the St. Pete Pride parade in June. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios
St. Pete Pride is calling on supporters to help close a funding deficit.
Why it matters: If the nonprofit can't raise $289,000 by Nov. 30, Florida's largest LGBTQ+ celebration may be at risk for next year, new board president Trent Brock said in a letter to supporters.
The latest: The organization has raised nearly $20,000 since issuing the call for donations Oct. 5, Brock told Axios.
- "While we're incredibly grateful for the support so far, there's still work to be done," he said.
- Scott Simon, a go-go dancer at Ybor City gay bar Bradley's on 7th, told Axios he'll match donations up to $25,000 through Friday. Supporters can donate here.
Catch up quick: Organizers hinted at financial challenges over the summer due to fewer corporate sponsorships amid a hostile political climate for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Pride celebrations around the country have seen similar declines.
- That conditional support is among the reasons why groups like the local People's Pride Coalition have started their own celebrations without corporate or police ties.
State of play: Along with disappearing sponsorships, the rising costs of producing large-scale events have contributed to the strain, Brock said.
- This year's parade and street festival, both of which are free to attend, drew around 300,000 people.
- Brock also said the organization started the year still paying off last year's celebration, and "from what I've found, this has been occurring for several years."
What's next: A new state law restricting government support of diversity, equity and inclusion programs goes into effect Jan. 1 — making the call for support all the more urgent, Brock said.
- Both the city and county have contributed funds and services to St. Pete Pride over the years.
The bottom line: "It's been a difficult environment for Pride," Simon said. "But we can show that … together we are as strong as ever."