FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2025
PRESS CONTACT: media@nashvillepride.org
NASHVILLE PRIDE LAUNCHES SAVE NASHVILLE PRIDE CAMPAIGN TO OVERCOME HISTORIC FINANCIAL SHORTFALL
The 501(c)(3) seeks to raise $250,000 by National Coming Out Day to secure the future of Tennessee’s largest LGBTQ+ organization and gathering
NASHVILLE, TN — For more than 35 years, the Nashville Pride Festival & Parade has been a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and community – providing a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies across the region. As one of the largest Pride festivals in the South and home to the biggest parade in the state of Tennessee, Nashville Pride has become a cornerstone of visibility, unity, and progress.
But despite the energy and passion of this year’s event, Nashville Pride is facing an unprecedented financial crisis that threatens the future of the Pride celebrations in Middle Tennessee.
Today, the organization is launching the #SaveNashvillePride campaign, an urgent effort to raise $250,000 by October 11, 2025 (National Coming Out Day) to ensure Nashville Pride remains a strong and sustainable gathering for years to come.
WHAT HAPPENED:
Sponsorships dropped by $270,000 (40%) compared to previous years
Several sponsors withdrew their commitments – some just days before the event.
Security costs more than doubled, reflecting increased safety needs.
Medical support canceled at the last minute, leaving organizers with a $30,000 bill.
Severe weather on Saturday led to a drop in attendance by more than 15,000 people, cutting deeply into essential revenue.
“These challenges left Nashville Pride with a gap that no single organization can fix,” said Tina Tousignant, President of the Nashville Pride Board of Directors. “But together, our community can help. Pride has always belonged to the people, and now more than ever, we need the people to step up and help Save Nashville Pride.”
At a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack across the country, Nashville Pride remains a critical space for joy, resistance, and visibility. Without immediate support, Nashville risks losing its largest LGBTQ+ gathering and safe space.
“Pride isn’t just a party—it’s survival,” said Alycia Ehimen, Nashville Pride Vice President. “They’re coming for our rights, our marriages, and now our community spaces. Saving Nashville Pride is about saving more than a festival – it’s about saving our future.”
HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP:
Donate today at SaveNashvillePride.org. Every dollar counts.
Become a monthly donor and unlock exclusive perks such as early lineup access, voting on 2026 entertainment, and donor-only events.
Amplify the call: share information on social media, encourage friends and employers to donate, and use your voice to ensure Nashville Pride remains strong.
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ABOUT NASHVILLE PRIDE
Nashville Pride is a nonprofit organization focused on creating community and hosting various events for the Nashville and Middle Tennessee LGBTQ+ community. Beyond that, Nashville Pride is a celebration recognizing the past struggles and future possibilities of the LGBTQ+ community. When the Festival and Parade aren’t lining Nashville’s streets with love, color, and acceptance, the Nashville Pride board is engaging our community, coordinating advocacy and allyship, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and calling our local community to action. The first Nashville Pride Parade was officially organized in June 1988, but pride events in the city of Nashville date back more than 50 years.