Rainbow parade in Vienna: Sponsors jump off - what is behind it?

Rainbow parade in Vienna: Sponsors jump off - what is behind it?

Wien, Österreich - Die Vorfreude auf die bevorstehende Regenbogenparade in Wien, die am 14. Juni 2025 stattfindet, wird durch einen besorgniserregenden Trend getrübt: Mehrere Unternehmen haben announced that it will be exhausted as sponsors. This was dismayed by the organizers of the parade, the Hosi Vienna, who attribute the withdrawal of large brands such as Durex and absolutely vodka to difficult economic framework and the current political mood.

The parade itself is an important part of the Pride month in Vienna and celebrates equality for lesbian, gays, bisexuals and transgender people (LGBT). This year, however, the organizers have to deal with the sad fact that the list of sponsors fell from 45 in the previous year to 38. Similar backgrounds can also be observed internationally, as with the Pride Parade in New York

a piece of history

The rainbow parade in Vienna not only has a colorful story, but also roots that go back to the Stonewall tuning in New York. In 1996 the first Viennese parade was carried out on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of these significant events. These unrest, which are considered the turning point in the history of the gay and lesbian movement, were a reaction to brutal police operations against homosexual people. Today the Viennese parade moves through the streets of the city and not only includes the colorful parade, but also events such as the Pride Village and the Pride Run Vienna, which represent a celebration for all age groups and genders, reports The Pride-Website .

The Stonewall GmbH, which was founded by Hosi Vienna, ensures the organization of such events. While the city of Vienna supports the Hosi Vienna in 2025 with 651,000 euros, 630,000 euros for the Vienna Pride project, the parade itself does not receive a direct financial support from the city because it is considered a political demonstration.

The challenges of today's time

The declining support from company sponsors is alarming and raises questions about the future of the parade. While some companies mention economic considerations as the main reason for their retreat, the context indicates that the political mood also plays a role. Stonewall GmbH faces internal budget cuts and the overall economic framework. The question arises whether this trend will continue to exist in the coming years.

Despite these challenges, the rainbow parade remains a symbolic expression of resistance and hope. It aims to promote visibility and acceptance for the LGBTQI community at a time at which discrimination and violence against this community are still omnipresent. The upcoming celebrations will show whether the Viennese population and the numerous supporters are willing to maintain the colorful and loud protest and to work for equality and acceptance.