Major Corporations Withdraw Funding from San Francisco Pride

San Francisco Pride has experienced a significant loss of corporate sponsorship ahead of its annual celebrations, with major companies like Anheuser-Busch, Comcast, and Diageo pulling out, resulting in a $300,000 shortfall. Executive director Suzanne Ford attributes this unusual trend to a politically hostile environment for the LGBTQ+ community, suggesting that companies may perceive supporting Pride as a risky decision. The organization is now scrambling to secure new funding sources, not only to cover the lost revenue but also to enhance security measures amid anticipated threats during the event. Ford emphasized the importance of corporate support for LGBTQ+ rights and expressed concern over the long-term implications of such withdrawals. The Pride celebration is scheduled for June 28-29, with organizers determined to continue despite the challenges. This development reflects a broader trend of corporations reassessing their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in the current political climate.