Some of the biggest names in pop music are coming together to raise money for a range of LGBTQ+ causes.
Sponsored by Procter & Gamble and iHeartMedia, with the support of General Motors, Winn Dixie, and a variety of other corporate partners, the second annual concert is expected to raise millions of dollars for a diverse mix of LGBTQ+ concerns negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Bebe Rexha
Pop star Bebe Rexha, who will also perform her new single “Sacrifice,” co-hosts with iHeartMedia on-air personality Elvis Duran co-host this year’s one-hour special featuring LGBTQ+ stars Lil Nas X, Ricky Martin, Troye Sivan, T.J. Osborne of the Brothers Osborne, Demi Lovato, Hayley Kiyoko, and JoJo Siwa. Also scheduled to appear are allies like P!nk, Jennifer Hudson, Busy Phillips, Marshmello, and Tate McRae. Nonmusical guests include Olympian Gus Kenworthy, drag diva Nina West, and Pose star MJ Rodriguez.
“As the country is returning back to normal and we are slowly starting to gather again, LGBTQ+ communities around the world are still feeling the devastating effects of COVID-19,” Gayle Troberman of iHeartMedia said in a statement to the press.
The pandemic’s impact on the queer community has gone far beyond the cancelation or reimagining of Pride events. It has cost many in the community their jobs, access to HIV treatment or gender-affirming healthcare, and increased social isolation for a community that is already disproportionately plagued by mental health concerns. It also severely hampered fund-raising efforts, just as an unprecedented number of LGTBQ+ have needed the safety net provided by service organizations.
“Can’t Cancel Pride is about creating visibility for the LGBTQ+ community and showing them they are not alone,” said Marc Pritchard, chief brand officer of P&G. “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic remains heightened for LGBTQ+ people, who continue to face issues driven by persistent bias, intolerance and inequality. We want to use our voice to help bring much needed resources, support, acts of good and love to this remarkable and resilient community.”
Troberman added, “We look forward to once again celebrating the incredible voices and allies of the LGBTQ+ community with an amazing night of music that will honor Pride and the fight for equal rights, all while benefiting six remarkable nonprofits that make an everyday positive impact.”
The goal is to top the $4 million raised last year, which the Greater Cincinnati Foundation will distribute to organizations serving the queer community, including GLAAD, SAGE, The Trevor Project, the National Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink, and OutRight Action International.
“Can’t Cancel Pride” begins streaming Friday, June 4, at 9 P.M., on iHeartRadio’s TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram TV pages, as well as PrideRadio.com, and Revry. The concert will also be available on-demand through June 30. Visit www.iHeartMedia.com or www.cantcancelpride.com for more information.
