Several major Danish companies, including the insurance giant Tryg, have decided to withdraw their support for Copenhagen Pride. The decision is due to concerns that the event’s political aspects now overshadow its original purpose, which is to promote the rights and acceptance of sexual minorities. Lene Reitzel, HR director at Tryg, told Børsen that the company has observed an increasing politicization of the event, creating uncertainty about what is actually being supported. “Unfortunately, we have had to acknowledge that the original core issue, which was and is to fight for the rights and acceptance of sexual minorities in society, has been overshadowed,” she said.
This development follows a controversial call from Copenhagen Pride to their partners earlier this year, asking them to take a stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Although the organization later clarified that their intention was not to get partners to choose sides in the conflict, the episode has contributed to concerns about increased politicization. The list of companies that have stopped their support includes some of Denmark’s biggest names such as Maersk, Novo Nordisk, Nykredit, and DFDS. These companies also express concern that the increased politicization may overshadow the event’s fundamental goals.
This trend is also seen at the Confederation of Danish Industry (Dansk Industri), which has also chosen to withdraw its support. This marks a significant shift in the business community’s engagement in Copenhagen Pride, which traditionally has been a platform to promote inclusion and diversity.
Copenhagen Pride has not yet commented on the latest developments and the companies’ withdrawal of support.