ABOVE: “Can’t Cancel Pride” was created by iHeartMedia and Procter & Gamble as a way of recognizing and offering financial assistance to LGBTQ+ community members negatively affected by the spread of coronavirus. (Photo courtesy Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s official website)
iHeartMedia and Procter & Gamble have joined forces to create an entertainment special to draw attention to and raise money for LGBTQ+ individuals adversely impacted by the coronavirus, according to a press release.
“Can’t Cancel Pride” is a “virtual relief benefit designed to help raise visibility and funds for LGBTQ+ communities most impacted by COVID-19.”
For iHeartMedia and Procter & Gamble, the financial plight faced by LGBTQ+ organizations in the wake of the coronavirus highlights the urgency to gather their efforts and assist the queer community during this period of turbulence.
“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 two companies also believe that the event will allow for the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community to shine through.
“‘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 virtual nature of the event simultaneously facilitates a greater accessibility for LGBTQ+ viewers and listeners at home, as well as provides a platform for inclusivity.
“‘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,’” Rob Smith, a member of the “Can’t Cancel Pride” advisory committee, said.
The one-hour special will be hosted by radio personality Elvis Duran and actress Laverne Cox and feature performances by Adam Lambert, Big Freedia, Billy Porter, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Melissa Etheridge, Sia, Ricky Martin and more.
Lambert, Perry and Petras each took to Twitter to share their excitement in participating in the event.
Honored to continue commemorating Pride month with @iHeartRadio’s ‘Can’t Cancel Pride: Helping LGBTQ+ People in Need” this June 25th. Save the date!!! . #CantCancelPride pic.twitter.com/j40jY8VdpR
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) June 16, 2020
Very proud to be able to lift up my LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters this Pride month with @iHeartRadio’s Can’t Cancel Pride: Helping LGBTQ+ People in Need. Be sure to save the date, June 25th. #CantCancelPride 🌈 pic.twitter.com/EieiyrjOs5
— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) June 16, 2020
Performing with @iHeartRadio June 25th 🤍🏳️🌈 Watch n support the LGBTQ+ community !! #cantcancelpride pic.twitter.com/qY4sE2z81B
— KIM PETRAS 🐩 (@kimpetras) June 16, 2020
People can donate to the “Can’t Cancel Pride” relief fund online and the collected funds will be donated to LGBTQ+-inclusive organizations such as GLAAD, SAGE, The Trevor Project, the National Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink and OutRight Action International. iHeart Media and Procter & Gamble’s goal is to raise $5 million and “Can’t Cancel Pride” is partnering with Ohio nonprofit Greater Cincinnati Foundation to distribute the donations.
“Can’t Cancel Pride” has also created the hashtag #CantCancelPride to allow people to document “their special Pride moments” on social media throughout June.
“Can’t Cancel Pride” will be available to stream on iHeartRadio’s official Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as PrideRadio.com. The special will also be broadcasted across iHeartMedia stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app on June 25 at 9 p.m. local time.
