‘We’re Still Here’ KC Pride Fest staying resilient amid budget cuts, loss of sponsorships

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Organizers of Kansas City’s 50th annual Pride Festival say the celebration looks different this year and not just because they’re celebrating a milestone.

KC Pride Fest is navigating a tighter budget after losing $200,000 in sponsorships, which organizers link to a wave of anti-LGBTQ policies from the Trump istration.

Those policies include restrictions on health care for transgender minors, a ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, and challenges to corporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. A national survey of more than 200 corporate executives found nearly 40% have pulled back their partnerships with Pride events across the country, and Kansas City is feeling the ripple effects.

“These spaces are sacred. They exist for a reason,” said Star Palmer, founder of Our Spot KC.

Rainbow flags, fans and jewelry are decorating the lawn of Theis Park this weekend, creating a vibrant space for celebration. But organizers say behind the color is a continued fight for visibility and equality.

“The first Pride was a riot and we’re still having to have that mentality of no, we exist, we deserve to be here, and here’s our bold resistance,” Palmer said.

Without the usual corporate funding, the festival has scaled back, focusing on local vendors and entertainment. They also won’t be able to afford livestreaming the parade on Saturday morning. But organizers say community is keeping Pride alive.

“We’re still here. We’re not cancelling. We are finding creative ways to lean into crowd-funding and just a lot of different things and leaning into those sponsors that have really stepped up and stepped in,” Palmer said.

Volunteers have helped fill in the gaps, and organizers say they have more volunteers than ever before. They will be serving the public with health resources, including breast exams, HIV/STI screenings, and emergency housing assistance.

Organizers describe KC Pride Fest as a sacred space they are determined to protect.

“It’s important to protect PrideFest and spaces like this, just out of the need for visibility and education. We invite all allies into our space to come see what it is. Everybody loves to hang with us, but come and go to the education tent. Learn about the community,” said Palmer.

Meanwhile, vendors say they’re showing up with hope, not fear.

“I am not subjected to being gay. I am a whole package. I am the whole package everywhere I go. I am resilient everywhere I go,” said vendor Joseph Roche.

Roche himself will be a first-time guest and craft vendor at KC Pride Fest. He said he hopes that message of resilience reaches festival goers who might be feeling the weight of political pressure.

“If this is a ion for you, push forward and get through it and when you get to the other side, you’re gonna look back and say wow, we accomplished even though things happened,” Roche said.

In response to concerns about safety, organizers say there will be added security at Theis Park throughout the weekend to help ensure everyone feels welcome. KD will also be on-site during Saturday’s parade.

Despite the financial and political challenges, organizers say KC Pride Fest remains a symbol of strength and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community.

“We’re still here,” Palmer said.

More information about the parade route and Pride Fest schedule can be found on their website.

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