Philly’s Pride weekend faced a significant setback this year with several major corporate sponsors missing from the event. Despite boasting over 35 sponsors, Wawa, Target, AARP, and Burlington – all of which backed the festival last year – were noticeably absent.
According to reports, Target offered to become an official sponsor but was informed that they would not be entering agreements with corporate entities this time around. The Urban Affairs Coalition, which recently took over managing Philly Pride 365, declined to comment on the matter.
The absence of these major sponsors may raise eyebrows given Target’s recent controversies, including a rollback of diversity and inclusion initiatives and removing Pride merchandise from its shelves. Minneapolis’ Twin Cities Pride rejected Target’s sponsorship dollars this year, citing the company’s DEI rollbacks.
Traditionally, Philly’s Pride weekend has relied on sponsorships, vendors, grants, and donations to fund its events. The financial implications of this year’s absent sponsors are unclear at this time.
Source: https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/06/03/philly-pride-365-rejects-target-sponorship