Tucson Pride, one of Arizona’s longest-running LGBTQ+ organisations, has announced its permanent closure, citing growing hostility and shifting political landscapes that have severely impacted its operations.
In a statement released Thursday (22 January), the Board of Directors confirmed that the planned 2026 Tucson Pride Festival has been cancelled, and that the 49-year-old non-profit will begin the process of dissolution.
“This decision was not made lightly,” the statement read. “We recognise the deep importance Tucson Pride has held in our community since 1977, serving as a space of visibility, advocacy, celebration, and resilience for nearly five decades.”
The announcement follows an October 2025 update, when Tucson Pride delayed its festival due to mounting financial and logistical challenges. At the time, officials pointed to “shifting politics and increased hostility” towards the LGBTQ+ community as key reasons for a sharp drop in donations and corporate sponsorships—issues that have plagued many LGBTQ+ organisations across the US and UK.
Tucson Pride has pledged to refund all contributions for the cancelled 2026 festival. This includes sponsorships, vendor fees, and other prepaid donations, which the organisation said will be processed within 30 to 90 days.
In a heartfelt closing, the board offered its gratitude to the local community:
“We want to thank the Tucson LGBTQ+ community and its allies for your unwavering support, passion, and commitment over the years. Tucson Pride exists because of you, and its legacy will forever remain part of our city’s history.”
The closure marks a sobering moment for LGBTQ+ advocacy in Arizona and underscores the growing difficulties many community organisations face in the current political climate.
