Dupage Policy Journal

Kristina McCloy, founder of Concerned Parents of Hinsdale, said she doesn't believe taxpayer dollars should fund ideologically driven events like Elmhurst Family Pride Fest slated for next month.  

But the City of Elmhurst is not the only public entity funding Pride Fest.

"The Elmhurst Family Pride Fest has sponsors that advocate for gender affirming care to minors, and biological males competing in women’s sports," McCloy told the DuPage Policy Journal. "Anyone that sponsors or attends this event, is endorsing those issues. Sadly, the Elmhurst Public Library, Police Department, and Park District are."

Kristina McCloy | McCloy

The Pride Fest is receiving financial support through the Explore Elmhurst Community Grant Program, which is designed to boost tourism by funding cultural events—though critics argue this reimbursement-based grant crosses a line. 

The DuPage Policy Journal reached out to the City of Elmhurst for comment but received no response to phone calls or emails.

The Pride Fest is organized by the Elmhurst Pride Collective and will be held outside the Elmhurst Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 21, from 12 to 4 p.m. 

In a recent Facebook post, the Elmhurst Pride Collective acknowledged the funding provided by the City of Elmhurst.

“And this year, we got a brand new sponsor! Thank you to the City of Elmhurst's Explore Elmhurst Community Grant Program for providing the fest with a huge boost of financial support,” the organization wrote. “It will go a long way toward helping this fest grow and draw in more visitors than ever!”

Additional sponsors of the 2025 Pride Fest include Makinney Group of Compass Real Estate, Green Door Therapy, Elmhurst Bank, Patchwork Therapy, Equality Illinois, HoneyDone Home Maintenance, Vagabond School of the Arts, Angelworld LLC, Puttshack, Young:Equal, Hair Rebellion and Skin Therapy Esthetics & Massage. 

On a national level, NBC News reports that corporate sponsorships for major LGBTQ Pride events are down significantly this year, with many organizers citing reduced or withdrawn funding due to fears of political backlash. 

Some Pride events, including those in St. Louis and San Francisco, are facing deficits of up to $350,000, leading to scaled-back activities and fewer security measures.

Meanwhile, notable conservative activist Robby Starbuck – a former Hollywood music video director – has advocated for public spaces to be “neutral” and not places to discuss “what kind of sex you like to have.” His efforts have led several corporations to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.