New York - June 16, 2020 – This June, P&G and iHeartMedia invite people everywhere to join “Can’t Cancel Pride: A COVID-19 Relief Benefit for the LGBTQ+ Community, ” a virtual relief benefit designed to help raise visibility and funds for LGBTQ+ communities most impacted by COVID-19. Can’t Cancel Pride demonstrates that while in-person Pride events may be interrupted around the world, nothing can cancel the heart of Pride and the spirit the LGBTQ+ equality movement embodies.
The event will bring together today’s biggest names in culture and entertainment, including Adam Lambert, Big Freedia, Billy Porter, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Melissa Etheridge, Sia, Ricky Martin and more with support from brands including Bounty®, Charmin®, Dawn®, Downy®, Jared®, Pantene® and Tide® to drive LGBTQ+ visibility, and build support for the millions of Americans unable to take part in live Pride events across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The celebration will culminate with a one-hour special produced by iHeartMedia and P&G and hosted by leading iHeartMedia on-air personality Elvis Duran and actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox. Can’t Cancel Pride will stream on iHeartRadio’s Facebook and Instagram pages, iHeartRadio’s PrideRadio.com and broadcast on iHeartMedia stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app June 25 at 9 p.m. local time.
COVID-19 has not only led to the disruption of many national Pride events, but has also had a damaging effect on fund-raising efforts LGBTQ+ organizations rely on to survive. The LGBTQ+ community is facing loss of livelihoods, lack of access to critical life-affirming healthcare, increased domestic violence and social isolation as many of the organizations they count on for these services are on the brink of survival – potentially setting the movement back decades.
"The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the complex and significant obstacles facing the LGBTQ+ community,” said Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer, Procter & Gamble. “We must continue to fight hate and intolerance while redoubling our efforts to elevate LGBTQ+ visibility and providing support for those in need. Can’t Cancel Prideis about showing the community that they are not alone and that they are seen and loved, even when stay-at-home orders have closed community centers and support systems that millions of LGBTQ+ people rely on every day.”
“There’s no question COVID-19 has impacted the LGBTQ+ community in a variety of ways, and at this time in the U.S., the struggle for equality and inclusion has never been more important,” said Gayle Troberman, Chief Marketing Officer for iHeartMedia. “Now is a time we need to come together to support the organizations that help bring critical resources to LGBTQ people in need and Can’t Cancel Pride aims to do just that. Like always, Pride will continue to represent the resilience, beauty and strength of the LGBTQ+ community around the nation and the globe.”
“This is a unique opportunity to focus on the heart and soul of the community and the movement we serve across the country, allowing access for everyone,” said Rob Smith, Founder and CEO of The Phluid Project, and a member of the Can’t Cancel Pride advisory committee. “Celebrating virtually affords us the opportunity to touch people in communities across the country and ensure that we are broadly able to showcase the incredible diversity and intersectionality of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Can’t Cancel Pride has partnered with The Greater Cincinnati Foundation to administer and distribute financial support raised by the event to LGBTQ+ organizations with a track record of positive impact and support of the LGBTQ+ community, including GLAAD, SAGE, The Trevor Project, the National Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink and OutRight Action International.
Additional proud partners of Can’t Cancel Pride include Cadillac, Crest®, Giant Food, Herbal Essences®, Mattel, Mercedes-Benz, Olay®, P&G Shopper Team, Puffs®, Splat Hair Color and This is L.
Executive producers for Can’t Cancel Pride are John Sykes, Tom Poleman and Elvis Duran of iHeartMedia, Casey Patterson for Casey Patterson Entertainment, Alex Coletti for Alex Coletti Productions and Can’t Cancel Pride Co-founder Brent Miller of Procter & Gamble.
Can’t Cancel Pride is encouraging viewers to share their special Pride moments on social media using the hashtag #CantCancelPride throughout the month of June. For more information and the latest Can’t Cancel Pride news and to donate visit cantcancelpride.com or text “RAINBOW” to 56512.
The event is supported by a Can’t Cancel Pride advisory committee including Rob Smith CEO/Founder of The Phluid Project, and Robyn Streisand - Luppino, Founder and President of THE MIXX and TITANIUM WORLDWIDE and Olympia Lambert, Client Services Director of THE MIXX.
