Copenhagen Pride is facing financial challenges after a significant deficit in 2023 and a number of sponsors choosing to withdraw their support. The organization, which organizes the annual LGBTQ+ festival in Copenhagen, experienced a deficit of almost 1.5 million Danish kroner last year, and the situation has been further exacerbated by recent sponsor departures. According to information obtained by Kristeligt Dagblad through a freedom of information request at the Municipality of Copenhagen, last year’s contributions from partners were not sufficient to cover the organization’s operating expenses. This has put Copenhagen Pride in a difficult financial situation, where they are now struggling to retain the remaining sponsors.
The chairperson of Copenhagen Pride, Benjamin Hansen, stated to Ritzau that they are in the process of assessing the full financial consequences of the sponsors’ exits. Among the companies that have chosen to end their partnerships are major names such as DFDS, Google, Maersk, Novo Nordisk, and Nykredit. These departures came in the wake of a controversial press release in February, where Pride urged their partners to take a stand on the conflict in Gaza – a communication that the organization later admitted was a mistake.
Despite the financial and communication challenges, Hansen assures that Copenhagen Pride will go ahead as planned this year, thanks to the great efforts of volunteers. “Fortunately, Pride is driven by volunteers, so it will still take place this year,” he said. Copenhagen Pride is now working to stabilize the situation and ensure that the festival can continue to be a celebration of diversity and inclusion, even under financial pressure.