The COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests continue to rework Pride plans. Despite this, brands are revamping their ideas to make sure Pride celebrations still happen.
On Tuesday, Procter & Gamble and iHeartMedia announced their own virtual event to raise funds for the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on organizations impacted by COVID-19.
The hour-long event, called “Can’t Cancel Pride: A COVID-19 Relief Benefit for the LGBTQ+ Community,” will stream June 25 at 9 p.m. on each coast through iHeartMedia’s iHeartRadio app, Facebook and Instagram accounts, and PrideRadio.com. It will also be broadcast on iHeartRadio stations across the country.
The completely virtual event will be hosted by actress and LGBTQ+ advocate Laverne Cox and iHeartRadio on-air personality Elvis Duran, and will feature performances and appearances from Katy Perry, Sia, Adam Lambert, Billy Porter, Ricky Martin and Melissa Etheridge, among others.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the complex and significant obstacles facing the LGBTQ+ community,” said Marc Pritchard, chief brand officer at Procter & Gamble in a statement. “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 Pride is 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.”