Anheuser-Busch pulls funding from St. Louis PrideFest after backlash

In the United States, Anheuser-Busch has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of the St. Louis PrideFest for the year 2025, marking a significant change after having supported the event for three decades. This PrideFest, hosted by Pride St. Louis, is set to take place on June 28 and 29, 2025, and is a key event in the local LGBTQIA+ community calendar. The non-profit organization Pride St. Louis now finds itself in a challenging position, needing to secure around $150,000 in funding to ensure the the festival proceeds as planned, especially after experiencing a drop in financial support from other organizations as well. The decision to not continue their sponsorship follows a notable backlash against Bud Light, a brand owned by Anheuser-Busch, which partnered with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney earlier in 2023. This led to a boycotting movement from certain right-wing groups, which has resulted in a decline in Bud Light's sales. In light of this, Pride St. Louis’s President Marty Zunig expressed disappointment over Anheuser-Busch’s decision but remains hopeful for community support to fill the financial gap. Furthermore, the organization's board of directors is working on budget amendments to ensure the event remains safe and engaging for attendees. To rally local support, Pride St. Louis is launching the #45for45 fundraising campaign, commemorating its 45 years of advocating for and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. The campaign encourages community members to donate, with incentives such as commemorative pins for contributions of $45 or more. The significant reduction in funding poses a threat to the annual event, leading Zunig to emphasize that canceling PrideFest is not an option. He urges individuals who've participated in the past, as well as those who believe in equality, to contribute to the campaign, highlighting the organization’s commitment to the cause over the years.