Copenhagen Pride rebuilds sponsor trust two years after exodus

Copenhagen Pride is still rebuilding its network of sponsors two years after almost half withdrew, DR reports. Organisers say interest from companies has increased, but partnerships have not returned to previous levels.

Several sponsors pulled out in 2024 after Copenhagen Pride said it would ask about their interests and activities in Israel and Palestine. Organisations that did not provide a satisfactory response could not become partners.

“We are seeing positive developments and a greater willingness to engage again, but we are not back at previous levels,” said Benjamin Hansen, chairperson of Copenhagen Pride.

“Restoring trust and rebuilding partnerships are well under way, and that work is continuing. But we are still actively working to rebuild our group of partners,” he said.

Hansen said Copenhagen Pride depends on a broad range of sponsors to hold the event. The organisation needs to secure up to 10 million kroner in funding each year, making stable, long-term partnerships essential, he said.

The dispute began in February 2024 after sponsors were contacted about Israel and Palestine. The following month, then-chairperson Lars Henriksen apologised for what he called poor communication regarding the conflict in Gaza. He resigned in May that year.

Maersk, Google and Novo Nordisk were among the sponsors that withdrew in 2024. Several former sponsors have returned for this year’s Pride, including the Confederation of Danish Industry, Danske Bank and Google.

Copenhagen Pride is both a celebration and a human rights movement for LGBTQIA+ people. This year’s event runs from 8 to 16 August and culminates in a parade through Copenhagen on Saturday, marking its 30th anniversary.