Corporate Sponsors of Pride Hypocritically Fund Anti-LGBTQ Politicians

As Pride Month unfolds, corporations increasingly display rainbow flags on their websites, vocalize their support for LGBTQ+ rights, and aim to appeal to a historically marginalized community. However, many of these companies still channel significant funds to groups and politicians opposing LGBTQ+ rights.

Lee Badgett, Chief Economist at the Koppa LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab, critiques the stereotype of LGBTQ people as affluent. According to Badgett, LGBTQ communities, particularly gay and bisexual men and bisexual women, typically earn less than their heterosexual peers. The same economic disparity exists between transgender and cisgender individuals, with transgender people earning notably less.

The lack of transparency in corporate and political spending fosters a misleading narrative. This narrative positions certain entities as champions of LGBTQ rights, while they simultaneously fund anti-LGBTQ groups. OpenSecrets reports that corporations publicly denouncing anti-LGBTQ legislation often donate substantial sums to legislators who advocate such bills.

Melissa Michelson, a Political Science professor at Menlo College, describes this performative allyship as “rainbow washing.” Politicians and corporations engage in this behavior to gain favor with voters, consumers, and potential donors, translating into financial contributions or votes.

Despite their public support during Pride Month, some companies’ political contributions reveal a contradictory stance. Delta Air Lines, which sponsors multiple Pride events, has its PAC donating over $300,000 to Republican candidates, including those with anti-LGBTQ histories like Rep. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Steve Scalise. Moreover, Delta donated $45,000 to GOPAC and $10,000 to the dark money group Alliance for American Exceptionalism, both promoting conservative candidates with anti-LGBTQ records.

MasterCard, another significant Pride sponsor, directed over $100,000 to Republican candidates in 2024. These beneficiaries include politicians like Patrick McHenry and Jim Jordan, who have opposed bills protecting LGBTQ rights. Also noteworthy, defense contractor Booz Allen Hamilton’s corporate PAC contributed nearly equal amounts to Republicans and Democrats, including those with anti-LGBTQ stances.

Both Delta and MasterCard declined to comment.

Despite these large corporations’ contributions to conflicting causes, their public support for Pride events marks a cultural shift. Melissa Michelson notes, “I don’t remember 10 years ago that you’d walk into Target and see rainbows everywhere.” Yet this support is fraught with issues. National retailer Target reduced its pride section earlier this year following conservative backlash, although it remains a Pride event sponsor.

The financial support from airlines, banks, and defense contractors helps mitigate the costs of hosting Pride events, yet their true commitment to LGBTQ rights remains questionable. As Michelson underscored, “Every June, every corporation, every politician wants to say, ‘I’m supportive of LGBTQ rights, I’m an ally of the community.’” She points out the inconsistency of their support outside of the Pride Month spotlight.