June is here again, and with it comes the vibrant return of Seattle’s annual Pride Parade — a cornerstone of community expression, activism, and celebration. Yet, as the city gears up for Pride 2025, there's a noticeable shift in the atmosphere, marked by fewer corporate sponsorships and increased discussion about the event’s location. What lies behind this change, and how does it reflect the broader struggles of LGBTQIA+ people?

Seattle’s Pride Parade began humbly on Capitol Hill’s Broadway, a location deeply intertwined with the heart of Seattle's Queer community. In the early 1980s, it began alternating between Capitol Hill and downtown, but by the mid-1980s, the former had firmly become the symbolic home of Pride. The neighborhood’s vibrant LGBTQ+ institutions — with historic establishments like the Wildrose and the Elite Tavern — provided a nurturing backdrop for the celebration. For decades, Capitol Hill was synonymous with Seattle’s Queer identity and activism.

Historically, Pride is deeply rooted in broader Queer liberation struggles. The Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York City, marked by days of resistance against police raids and brutality, sparked the modern Gay rights movement. Seattle quickly echoed this radical energy: In 1970, the local chapter of the Gay Liberation Front was established, embracing intersectional activism with contemporaries such as the Black Panther Party and contrasting sharply with earlier, more assimilation-focused groups like the Dorian Society, founded in 1966. Activists like Feygele Ben Miriam embodied the duality of the era, actively participating in both mainstream and radical activism. He famously applied for the first same-sex marriage license in King County in 1971, highlighting Seattle’s long history of pushing for Queer rights and recognition.

In 2006, the parade moved back downtown to accommodate growing crowds and increased corporate sponsorship. The broader streets and central location promised greater visibility and economic impact. But critics argue that the parade lost something essential in this transition. The intimate neighborhood celebration morphed into a grander, less personal spectacle, somewhat distanced from its roots. As Pride became increasingly corporate, its sense of intimacy began to dilute.

Fast-forward to 2025: Seattle Pride is currently facing a projected $350,000 budget shortfall — nearly a quarter of its annual operating budget. Corporate sponsorship is significantly down. Seattle PrideFest has lost about a third of its sponsorship funding, approximately $75,000. Some companies, including long-time supporters, have yet to recommit. Others, like Alaska Airlines, remain onboard, while brands such as Smirnoff have made selective decisions, supporting Seattle events but pulling out of others, like San Francisco Pride. Organizers cite political pressure, the rollback of DEI programs, and broader economic uncertainty as contributing factors. What worries them most is the intent behind the retreat.

Recent debates about uniformed Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers participating in Pride further underscore ongoing tensions. Seattle Pride's policy, adopted three years ago, prohibits uniformed police officers from marching, allowing only plainclothed participation. This decision, made in response to community feedback and historical experiences of police brutality and discrimination, was recently revisited when Councilmember Mark Solomon requested that the Seattle LGBTQ Commission speak to organizers about permitting the inclusion of uniformed officers. The commission, after robust debate, decided to remain neutral, reflecting the deep divisions on this matter.

Seattle’s fraught relationship with the SPD continues to raise concerns. From historic bar raids and payoff scandals to more recent incidents — like the 2024 inspections of Queer bars for "lewd conduct" and the targeting of a Trans woman at Denny Blaine Park — community trust remains deeply eroded. These events echo the very circumstances that birthed the Pride movement.

Despite fewer sponsorship dollars, Pride’s grassroots spirit is being reclaimed. Calls are increasing to bring Pride back to Capitol Hill, where it began. While downtown offers scale, the Hill offers legacy. PrideFest events and Trans Pride Seattle still take place in the neighborhood, preserving its vital role in LGBTQIA+ culture.

But would a full return of the main parade be a better fit in today’s climate?

That question is growing louder as Seattle grapples with the meaning of Pride amid a rollback of DEI efforts and wavering corporate support. A move back to Broadway might not only honor history but help foster the kind of community-led celebration that feels increasingly necessary in a time of political and cultural pushback.

As Seattle navigates these questions this June, the LGBTQIA+ community faces an opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and perhaps reclaim the spirit of Pride. Whether downtown or back on Broadway, the heart of Pride has always been — and always will be — about the community itself.

Pride 2025: What’s going on

Want to celebrate, organize, or just soak it all in? Here’s a snapshot of key events across Seattle this Pride Month:

·       June 22 — Seattle Pride in the Park
Volunteer Park | 12–7 p.m.
A family-friendly, all-ages gathering with performances, food trucks, community booths, and a sober garden. Hosted by Seattle Pride.
·       June 27 — Trans Pride Seattle
Volunteer Park & Broadway | March at 6 p.m., rally at 7 p.m.
Organized by Gender Justice League. No corporate sponsors — just unapologetic celebration, Trans-centered performances, and political visibility.
·       June 29 — Capitol Hill Pride Festival
Broadway Ave. E | All day
Local businesses and artists line the street for a daylong celebration of Queer arts, drag, music, and activism in the heart of Seattle’s historic gayborhood.
·       June 30 — Seattle Pride Parade
Downtown Seattle | Starts at 4th & Pike at 11 a.m.
The biggest LGBTQIA+ event in the Pacific Northwest, with floats, nonprofits, performers, and thousands of marchers — though this year, with noticeably fewer corporate banners.
·       All Month — PrideFest at Seattle Center & Beyond
Events pop up throughout June, from film screenings and panels to nightlife takeovers. Visit www.seattlepridefest.org for the full lineup.