Federal Funding Fears Halt Durham Pride Event

Federal Funding Fears Push Durham County to End Pride Sponsorship

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS LGBT Politics

DURHAM, N.C. — (September 26, 2025) — Durham County has formally withdrawn its sponsorship of the city’s Pride celebration, citing concerns that recent federal executive orders restricting government participation in “diversity, equity, and inclusion activities” could put millions of dollars in federal funding at risk.

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Despite the decision, county leaders stressed that their personal commitment to the LGBTQ community remains unchanged.

“Durham County no longer sponsoring Pride doesn’t mean that Durham County doesn’t care or love our LGBTQ community,” said Commission Chair Nida Allam in a statement to ABC11. “I personally, and I know our entire board, still stand strongly with the LGBT community. We’re all personally going to be marching with the Pride parade.”

Organized by the LGBTQ Center of Durham, the three-day Pride festival begins Friday and is expected to draw thousands of participants, allies, and visitors. Advocates caution that while the financial rationale is clear, the symbolic withdrawal risks sending a mixed message at a time when LGBTQ visibility and public support remain critical.

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