St. Pete Pride cancels upcoming event, citing ‘financial challenges’

St. Pete Pride has canceled an upcoming event due to financial challenges, the Board of Directors announced.

In a Facebook post Friday, the organization said its Shades of Pride event, which was scheduled for July 19, will not take place.

“This was not a decision we made lightly,” the post reads. “Like most LGBTQ+ organizations, [our] sponsorships have declined, and the cost of producing community events has continued to rise.”

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Shades of Pride is an annual one-day celebration honoring Juneteenth, with a focus on “Black LGBTQ+ voices, culture, and creativity,” according to the organization’s website. It was set to take place at the Morean Arts Center for Clay.

St. Pete Pride has been transparent about financial hardships this year, as a new state law prevents local governments from spending taxpayer dollars on “DEI initiatives.”

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“The reality is that, without financial support from our community, St. Pete Pride will look different in the years ahead,” the statement reads. “We sincerely apologize to everyone who planned to attend Shades of Pride and appreciate your understanding.”

For more information on St. Pete Pride and other events, visit the organization’s website.