After 21 years of fostering connections and providing support for LGBTQ+ students, National Student Pride, a prominent annual event in London, is set to come to an end. The decision follows a significant decline in corporate sponsorship, a reflection of ongoing challenges within the broader landscape of diversity and inclusion initiatives.
A Legacy of Inclusion and Empowerment
Founded in 2005, National Student Pride was born out of a desire to counteract homophobic attitudes encountered by students. The event was sparked by a divisive talk hosted by the Christian Union at Oxford Brookes University, prompting one of its original founders and current trustee, Tom Guy, to take action. “We chose to respond by creating something constructive,” Guy explained, highlighting their commitment to fostering dialogue between faith, identity, and LGBTQ+ lives through an inclusive panel at their inaugural event.
Over the years, National Student Pride has grown into the largest LGBTQ+ student event in the UK, drawing influential speakers and a vibrant community eager to engage in conversation and networking. However, the organisation announced that it could no longer sustain its operations without adequate funding.
Corporate Sponsorship Dwindles
The decline in sponsorship has been stark. National Student Pride reported a reduction of nearly two-thirds in income over the past two years, primarily due to cutbacks in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) budgets across the corporate sector. Last year’s implementation of an “ethical sponsorship” policy, aimed at aligning with values that resonate with the LGBTQ+ community, further narrowed their pool of sponsors. As a result, the number of sponsors dropped from 24 to just eight this year.
Guy pointed out that shifting political climates and economic uncertainties have contributed to corporations deprioritising LGBTQ+ initiatives. He noted that fewer employers showed interest in participating in the event’s career fair, a cornerstone of the festival that traditionally attracted a multitude of companies seeking to connect with young talent. In 2024, 53 organisations participated; this year, only 20 signed up.
The Final Celebration
Despite these setbacks, the organisers are determined to make this year’s event memorable. Scheduled for this weekend at the University of Westminster, the festival will culminate in a “Dragstravaganza finale,” featuring popular guests Amanda and Jessie from “The Traitors.” This celebration will serve as a poignant reminder of the event’s rich history and the community it has nurtured.
Why it Matters
The conclusion of National Student Pride underscores a troubling trend in the support of LGBTQ+ initiatives—a trend that not only affects students but also signifies a broader societal challenge. The festival’s demise highlights the critical role of corporate backing in sustaining vital community events. As discussions around diversity and inclusion become increasingly complex in our changing world, the loss of such a platform for LGBTQ+ students serves as a call to action, reminding us all of the importance of fostering inclusive environments where every voice can be heard and valued.
