Nissan Faces Backlash After Withdrawing Support from New York City Pride

Nissan has historically positioned itself as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and workplace inclusion. The company has been recognized for its efforts, boasting a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for multiple consecutive years, including 2017. These accolades reflected Nissan’s policies supporting LGBTQ+ employees, establishment of resource groups, and public donations to pro-LGBTQ+ charities. As recently as 2022, Nissan reaffirmed its stance by stating on X (formerly Twitter) that it is “a proud supporter of LGBTQ+ community and their chosen families."

The Decision to Withdraw from NYC Pride

In June 2025, as Pride Month commenced, Nissan confirmed it would not sponsor New York City’s Pride events. The company cited an ongoing review of “all of its marketing efforts” as the reason for this change in strategy, as reported by the Wall Street Journal and subsequently covered by several outlets. The withdrawal was notable given Nissan’s prior visibility at Pride events and ongoing public messaging about inclusion.

Alongside Nissan, other major corporations—including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Citi—also pulled their sponsorship from NYC Pride. This collective retreat has been interpreted by some LGBTQ+ advocates as a signal of waning corporate support, especially in a year when anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and legislative efforts have increased in several regions.

Community Reaction and Backlash

Nissan’s decision has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and members of the community. Critics argue that the move undermines the progress made toward corporate accountability and inclusivity. Social media sites and LGBTQ+ forums have seen increased discussion about whether such withdrawals represent a broader trend of “rainbow-washing,” where companies use LGBTQ+ messaging for marketing without maintaining substantive, year-round support.

Advocacy groups, such as the Human Rights Campaign, have noted that visible, consistent corporate support is critical for combatting workplace discrimination and fostering inclusive environments. According to the HRC Foundation’s 2025 Equality Rising report, a significant portion of LGBTQ+ workers still seek new employment due to unwelcoming environments, highlighting the importance of continued allyship from major employers.

Corporate Response and Broader Implications

Nissan has not issued a detailed public statement addressing the specific reasons for its withdrawal beyond referencing the marketing review. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and disappointment among supporters who viewed Nissan as a reliable ally. The company’s prior public commitments—such as supporting chosen families and achieving top ratings in corporate equality—are now being re-examined by both employees and the public.

The broader context includes increasing scrutiny of corporations during Pride Month. In recent years, companies like Nike, Target, and Apple have been praised for their substantial Pride campaigns, but 2025 has seen a notable pullback in visible sponsorships and partnerships, as reported by From Day One. This shift raises questions about the motivations behind corporate allyship and the pressures companies face from various stakeholders.

LGBTQ+ Perspectives and the Path Forward

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the withdrawal by Nissan and other corporations is not just about the loss of sponsorship—it signals a potential decline in institutional support at a time when visibility and advocacy remain crucial. Some leaders have called on companies to communicate transparently about their commitments and to ensure that inclusion efforts are embedded in year-round business practices, not just visible during Pride Month.

Experts stress that authentic allyship involves sustained action, from inclusive workplace policies to support for LGBTQ+ community initiatives, regardless of shifting political or economic climates. As organizations like the Human Rights Campaign continue to track and report on corporate equality, the spotlight remains on whether companies will maintain or retreat from their public commitments in the months beyond June.consistency, and genuine partnership between corporations and LGBTQ+ communities—values that extend far beyond a single month of celebration.