Overview

• Major sponsors Google, Nissan, Home Depot and Clorox withdrew support ahead of July’s parade, creating a $900,000 budget shortfall.
• Executive director Kojo Modeste characterized the pullouts as a reaction to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States, though some companies cited budget constraints.
• Modeste warned that if the funding gap endures, next year’s festival may need to be scaled back.
• Prominent LGBTQ+ advocates are urging Pride Toronto to sever ties with corporations accused of profiting from Israel’s actions in Gaza and to refocus on activist goals.
• The sponsorship losses echo a broader North American pattern of criticism over corporate 'pinkwashing' and renewed demands for grassroots accountability.