Anheuser-Busch Ends PrideFest Sponsorship Amid Backlash

Anheuser-Busch has withdrawn its sponsorship of the St. Louis PrideFest after more than 30 years, contributing to a $150,000 funding shortfall for the event. This decision is part of a broader trend of reduced corporate support for LGBTQ events nationwide, with similar funding losses reported in cities like San Francisco and New York. The withdrawal comes amid a climate where many companies are reassessing their sponsorships due to economic uncertainty and social backlash, notably following Anheuser-Busch's controversial partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Pride St. Louis, which organizes the festival, has launched a #45for45 fundraising campaign to mitigate the financial gap, encouraging community donations to ensure the event continues. Despite the financial challenges, organizers remain committed to holding the festival on June 28-29 at Soldiers Memorial Park, emphasizing the importance of community support in sustaining the event.