After 30 years of backing, beer giant Anheuser-Busch has terminated its sponsorship of its home city’s pride event.
Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Bud Light and Budweiser, will no longer sponsor the St. Louis PrideFest, the city’s LGBT+ celebration, which takes place from June 28 to 29.
Bud Light faced right-wing outrage and a boycott in 2023 after partnering with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, causing sales to plunge.
According to KSDK, the decision has left the event’s organizer, the non-profit Pride St. Louis, scrambling for funding. Other groups have also chosen to withdraw financing, according to the publication.
The Independent has contacted Anheuser-Busch for comment.
This leaves the non-profit with $150,000 less than it needs for 2024. Pride STL told the TV station that the funding was much below expectations. The non-profit’s board of directors is updating the budget to guarantee the event is safe and enjoyable for guests.
The organization hopes that citizens would support the event by donating to charity.
“In response to this drop in support, Pride St. Louis is humbly launching the #45for45 fundraising campaign, a community-driven initiative to commemorate 45 years of advocacy, support, and celebration,” according to a statement from the organization.
“This milestone is not just about PrideFest—it’s about the work Pride St. Louis has done for decades to uplift, empower, and serve the LGBTQIA+ community year-round.”
Pride St Louis is urging the community to donate at pridestl.org/45for45. The celebration is set to take place at Soldiers Memorial Park downtown, with a Grand Parade on the 29th.
“Every contribution directly supports the mission of Pride St. Louis and the work it does throughout the year,” according to the statement. “Those who donate $45 or more will receive a commemorative 45th-anniversary lapel pin as a token of appreciation.”
Marty Zunig, the non-profit’s President, stated that, while the absence of funding is upsetting, the event would honor the LGBTQIA+ community’s resiliency.
“The #45for45 campaign allows everyone, whether they marched in the parade, attended our events, or simply believe in equality, to help ensure that these efforts continue for many years to come. “The community and our board have made it clear that canceling PrideFest is not an option,” Zuniga said in the statement.
