Toronto's annual Pride parade is taking place, but its future is uncertain due to a significant funding gap for 2026. Pride Toronto executive director Kojo Modeste stated that next year's event will likely be scaled down without more financial support, citing a $900,000 shortfall caused by rising costs and the departure of major sponsors like Google, Nissan, Home Depot, and Clorox. Modeste attributes this pullback to backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and is seeking more government funding.
Toronto Pride likely smaller in 2026 because of lack of funding, executive director says
Canada
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Toronto's annual Pride parade is taking place, but its future is uncertain due to a significant funding gap for 2026. Pride Toronto executive director Kojo Modeste stated that next year's event will likely be scaled down without more financial support, citing a $900,000 shortfall caused by rising costs and the departure of major sponsors like Google, Nissan, Home Depot, and Clorox. Modeste attributes this pullback to backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, and is seeking more government funding.
Trending- 1 1981: First Pride parade in Toronto, born from bathhouse raid protests.
- 2 Since 1981: Pride grew into a month of activities.
- 3 Mid-June (current year): Kojo Modeste warned of a $900,000 funding gap for 2026 Pride.
- 4 Earlier this year: Sponsors Google, Nissan, Home Depot, and Clorox departed.
- 5 Current: Toronto Pride parade is taking place.
- 6 Future (2026): Pride likely to be smaller without more funding.
- Potential scaling down of Toronto Pride in 2026
- Reduced financial and cultural impact of Pride
- Increased reliance on individual donations and city funding
- Call for more provincial and federal government support
What: Toronto Pride is facing a significant funding gap, which may lead to a smaller event in 2026.
When: Current (today's event), with concerns for 2026. Modeste warned in mid-June.
Where: Toronto, specifically the Rosedale neighbourhood, downtown core, Nathan Phillips Square, and Church-Wellesley area (gay village).
Why: Rising costs and the departure of major sponsors (Google, Nissan, Home Depot, Clorox) due to perceived backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
How: Pride Toronto executive director Kojo Modeste announced the funding gap and the potential scaling down of future events. The city has provided some multi-year funding, but more support from provincial and federal governments is needed.