Last Updated on June 14, 2025 by Bertrand Clarke

As rainbow flags unfurl across downtown Columbus this weekend, the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March, a cornerstone of Central Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community, kicks off with vibrant energy and a renewed focus on grassroots solidarity. Running from June 13 to June 15, 2025, the event draws an estimated 700,000 visitors, contributing $16 million to $18 million to the local economy through hotel stays, dining, and local business patronage. Yet, beneath the festive atmosphere lies a complex narrative: a wave of corporate sponsors, once stalwart allies, have scaled back or withdrawn support for Pride 2025, prompting organizers and attendees to reimagine the event’s future.

A Shifting Corporate Landscape

In recent years, Pride celebrations nationwide have leaned heavily on corporate sponsorships to fund elaborate parades, festivals, and community programs. Columbus Pride, organized by Stonewall Columbus, has been no exception, with major companies historically providing tens of thousands of dollars to ensure a polished, accessible event. However, 2025 marks a noticeable shift. Companies like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Walmart, Nissan, and Garnier—previously “Platinum” or lower-tier donors—have either reduced or entirely pulled their financial backing from Columbus Pride, mirroring a broader trend observed in cities like San Francisco and New York.

This retreat, detailed in a June 2025 report by The Advocate, reflects a cautious corporate response to rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in certain political and social spheres. Some companies cite internal restructuring of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, while others point to economic pressures. For instance, a 2024 survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce noted that 38% of Fortune 500 companies reduced DEI budgets due to economic uncertainty, a trend that appears to have carried into 2025.

Densil Porteous, executive director of Stonewall Columbus, acknowledges the financial hit but sees an opportunity for reinvention. “Pride has always been about protest and community,” Porteous said in an interview with Spectrum News on June 13, 2025. “Corporate dollars helped us grow, but our roots are in resilience. We’re doubling down on local support and community-driven initiatives.”

A Grassroots Revival

The withdrawal of corporate sponsors has sparked a grassroots renaissance for Columbus Pride. Local businesses, nonprofits, and individual donors have stepped up to fill the gap. According to Stonewall Columbus, over 200 small businesses in Central Ohio pledged support for Pride 2025, ranging from in-kind donations like food and beverages to direct financial contributions. Meza Wine Shop in Uptown Westerville, for example, launched a “Pride Pour” campaign, donating 20% of June wine sales to Stonewall Columbus, raising $4,500 by June 10, 2025.

Community fundraising efforts have also gained traction. A June 7 spin class, “Rainbow Bikes on Fire,” hosted by Hardness Cycle in Cleveland and organized by The Buckeye Flame, raised $2,000 for Columbus Pride’s community programs. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe campaign initiated by local activists surpassed its $25,000 goal in just 48 hours, fueled by small donations averaging $35. These efforts underscore a return to the community-driven ethos of early Pride movements, which began as protests against systemic oppression in the wake of the 1969 Stonewall Riots.

Attendees like Sarah Martinez, a 28-year-old Columbus resident, welcome the shift. “Seeing local businesses and neighbors rally feels more authentic than corporate logos everywhere,” she said at Goodale Park on June 13. “It’s like we’re taking Pride back to its roots.”

Safety and Solidarity in Focus

The 2025 Pride Festival unfolds against a backdrop of heightened safety concerns. Porteous, in his June 13 statement, noted a “rise in hostility” toward LGBTQ+ communities nationwide, citing a 2024 Anti-Defamation League report that documented a 47% increase in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents from 2022 to 2023. While federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and FBI did not issue specific Pride Month safety advisories in 2025—a departure from previous years—Porteous issued his own call for vigilance, urging attendees to “be aware of your surroundings and support one another.”

The Columbus Division of Police has bolstered its presence for the June 14 Pride March, which steps off at 10:30 a.m. from Broad Street and High Street, winding through the Short North. Over 150 officers will be stationed along the route, with additional security measures including bag checks and barricades. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) announced reroutes for 14 bus lines, including Lines 1, 2, and CMAX, to accommodate the march, ensuring minimal disruption for the expected influx of visitors.

Despite these precautions, Porteous emphasizes that Pride remains a celebration of joy and unity. “We’re resilient,” he said. “Our community’s strength lies in coming together, celebrating our identities, and supporting each other through challenges.”

Economic and Cultural Impact

Columbus Pride’s economic footprint is undeniable. A 2024 economic impact study by the Greater Columbus Convention Center estimated that Pride-related tourism generates $1.2 million in tax revenue for the city, supporting jobs in hospitality, retail, and transportation. Hotels like the Hilton Columbus Downtown reported 95% occupancy for June 13–15, 2025, with many guests citing Pride as their reason for visiting.

Culturally, Pride 2025 offers a platform for intersectional voices. Events like Black, Out, and Proud’s All White Day Party on June 14 and the Pride Interfaith Prayer Service on June 10 at the Fran Ryan Center highlight the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. The festival at Goodale Park, running from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on June 13 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 14, features three stages with performances by local artists, drag queens, and DJs, alongside a resource fair showcasing over 100 LGBTQ+-focused organizations.

Looking Ahead

As corporate sponsorships wane, Columbus Pride’s organizers are exploring sustainable funding models. Stonewall Columbus plans to launch a year-round membership program in fall 2025, offering perks like exclusive event access for monthly donors. Additionally, a proposed partnership with the Columbus City Council aims to secure public funding for future Prides, modeled after Seattle’s city-backed Pride initiatives.

For now, the 2025 festival is a testament to the community’s adaptability. “Pride isn’t about how much money we raise—it’s about how we show up for each other,” said Porteous. As the parade steps off under a canopy of rainbows, Columbus Pride 2025 stands as a vibrant reminder that love, solidarity, and resilience remain the heart of the movement.