Twin Cities Pride raised more than $71,000 to fill a gap in fundraising after booting Target from the list of festival sponsors.
Twin Cities Pride raises more than $70,000 to fill gap after dropping Target sponsorship
Pride uninvited Target from participating this year after the retailer said it would curtail its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
January 29, 2025 at 12:01AM
The Minneapolis retailer sparked public outcry with an announcement that it would retreat from its diversity goals amid pressure from conservative activists. The announcement came after President Donald Trump’s promises to end diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs in the federal government.
Target was a longtime sponsor of Twin Cities Pride, supporting the local festival and parade for at least 18 years. But after its announcement, which organizers said came during a challenging week for the LGBTQ community, Twin Cities Pride decided to uninvite Target from participating this year.
The decision to forgo the Target sponsorship could have impacted this year’s festivities, set for June 28-29 in Minneapolis’ Loring Park. On Sunday, the festival announced a fundraising effort to “Fill the Gap,” with a goal of $50,000. In just 24 hours, community members met the goal.
As of Tuesday afternoon, donors had kicked in more than $71,000. Surpassing the goal takes some of the pressure off after walking away from the sponsorship, Twin Cities Pride Executive Director Andi Otto said.
“We know that the community is incredibly passionate and very giving. But right now, when items are costing more and there is uncertainty, to see people come out ... is just inspiring and motivating,” Otto said.
There is concern that other Pride sponsors could make similar choices to end diversity and equity programs in the current political climate, Otto said.
“Target isn’t a one-off. It doesn’t matter what company they are; if they’re going to choose to do the same thing, then we have to make the same decision,” he said.
Funds will support programming like the Rainbow Wardrobe, Artist in Residence, and the Rainbow Feast, the festival said in an Instagram post Monday, thanking the public for its generosity.
“Every dollar donated goes directly back into helping us create inclusive spaces, support local artists, and provide resources that make a difference year-round,” organizers wrote.
“This was a senseless attack on members of our LGBTQ+ community,” County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement.
