Calgary Pride and members of Siksika Nation kicked off Pride Week on Monday with a flag-raising ceremony at the Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. “Pride helps us amplify those Indigenous communities, but it also helps Pride amplify those smaller intersections within the wider community,” said Nazer Louden-Khan with Calgary Pride. Siksika Nation member Warren Winnipeg said the event is about celebrating the community and supporting those who may still be struggling to be themselves. “It’s important that we do it with pride, with community and that we celebrate our strengths and that we also work together to help those that are still struggling to come out and be themselves,” Winnipeg said. Though there were sunny skies on Monday for the opening festivities, there is a cloud hovering over Calgary Pride and its future because of financial challenges. The organization has decided to move away from corporate sponsors and focus more on grassroots support. Louden-Khan said changes to corporate commitments, including companies dropping diversity, equity and inclusion programs, played a role in the decision. Calgary Pride says the move has left it facing a $250,000 funding shortfall. In a statement, the organization said it will not be able to continue operating beyond the 2026 festival and parade without additional funding. Calgary Pride is not the only LGBTQ+ organization facing financial pressure. Mackenzie Thaxter, a community organizer with Calgary Outlink, said their not-for-profit is also struggling to secure funding. The organization provides support, education and outreach for LGBTQ+ community members. Thaxter said grants are becoming harder to secure, while donations and volunteerism are also down. Calgary Outlink needs to raise $100,000 by the end of the year to continue operating. Thaxter said safe spaces and support services are especially important given the current political and social climate. “It’s so important to make sure that people have these safe spaces,” Thaxter said. Despite the financial challenges, Louden-Khan said Calgary’s LGBTQ+ community is not going anywhere. “The community’s still here. We’re not going away,” Louden-Khan said.
