Non-profit that organizes annual Minneapolis festival cut ties with retailer after 18 years after it drops DEI policies. Twin Cities Pride, the non-profit that organizes an annual Pride festival in Minneapolis, Minnesota, announced that it had raised more than $50,000 after publicly dropping Target as a corporate sponsor.
The group said it had removed Target as a sponsor of the festival after the company dropped some of its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies on 24 January: Target said it would stop its anti-discrimination efforts, including participation in external surveys, such as one run by the Human Rights Campaign, which tracks LGBTQ+ inclusive corporate policies such as spousal and domestic partner benefits and outreach to communities. The company also said it would end a program that helped it carry more products from Black- and minority-owned businesses, among other changes.
Twin Cities Pride thanked supporters on Instagram, saying in a post that donations would help fund initiatives like Rainbow Wardrobe, which provides a space for people to try on clothing that fits with their gender identity, and its artist-in-residence program.
“Every dollar donated goes directly back into helping us create inclusive spaces, support local artists and provide resources that make a difference year-round,” the organization said. “Thank you for standing with us.”. Days earlier, Twin Cities Pride had said that organizers were “deeply disappointed in [Target’s] announcement” and that the company would not have a presence at this year’s festival or parade. Target, which is based in Minneapolis, has been a sponsor of the Pride parade for 18 years.
