When Pride St. Louis lost the sponsorship of Anheuser-Busch ahead of its 45th anniversary presentation, the organization gained a $150,000 deficit. They carried on, and adopted the notion that “canceling PrideFest is not an option.” Out of the loss came an opportunity for patrons to get involved and have a sense of ownership. Pride St. Louis President Marty Zuniga and board members created the 45for45 Fundraising.
Every person that donated $45 or more received a commemorative anniversary lapel pin to proudly display their support for the community and St. Louis’ signature Pride event.
“That logo is representative of you, the community,” he continued, “This is your pride, this is your celebration, and going forward your logo will be at the top of these scrims if I have anything to do with it.”
Pride St. Louis President Marty Zuniga
Support came in droves from LGBTQIA+ community members, allies, and local businesses. The 45th anniversary went off without a hitch this weekend. Donations secured top acts such as rising duo Flyana Boss and Grammy nominated singer and actress Jordin Sparks – who closed day one of the festival.
“I asked you for your help, and when I did you stood up to help us,” said President Zuniga before the concert. He then directed attention to the tall scrims that lined the sides of the stage. “I want you to look at that very top logo.” He pointed out a bold arch in black with the words “Community Pride” in the middle with a rainbow of people underneath.
“That logo is representative of you, the community,” he continued, “This is your pride, this is your celebration, and going forward your logo will be at the top of these scrims if I have anything to do with it,” he declared.
“Pride has happened this year because of our Community,” added Pridefest Host Desiree Declyne, “That’s what happens when we come together as a unifying group no matter how we identify, or who we love.”
Immediately following their address, Flyana Boss took the stage. The two friends who decided they wanted to become stars while working at a dispensary. They began to make catchy tracks like “See Sumn”, which they performed at Pride. They danced around the stage in white cropped jerseys with an exaggerated pink ruffle trim on the bottom.
They created a party with “yeaaa”, “Miss Me” and “Mango Bananas”. The crowd danced along, bouncing left to right in unison and flapping their fans to the beat. Then they gave nostalgic Cheetah Girls vibes with their new single “[c-word expletive].” They finished with “You Wish,” the song that launched them into the public sphere.
Jordin Sparks took the stage in a big center part curly ponytail with jewels lined from her temple to crown. She also wore a jersey, which was stoned in shades of pink with black and white stripes down the arms. She gave a performance of her old hits and songs from her new album “No Restrictions.” Among her new music was “Where There’s Smoke…” Sparks and four high-energy back up dancers grooved to the track that was an intersection of 80s Funk and 2010s pop.
She also performed the albums namesake “No Restrictions.” She sensually played with her hair as she sang the song. She shared that the song was written with her husband Dana Isaiah in mind. Isaiah came out to join Sparks on stage. He danced alongside her and beamed brightly as he rapped T-Pain’s verse on “Forever,” another track from her new album.
She paid homage to one of her “divas” with a tribute to the late Whitney Huston. Sparks, who co-starred with Houston in the remake of “Sparkle” sang, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.” She whirled around the stage and down the catwalk into the audience before a stream of colorful confetti gently fell over the crowd at the song’s climax.
Sparks dipped into her own crates with “One Step at a Time” and “Battlefield.” Her voice was just as clear as when she originally released them. She performed “No Air” entirely a cappella. The vocal mastery she displayed caused an eruption from the audience.
Pride 45 excitement continued into day two with the Grand Pride Parade processing down Market from 10th to 15th street. It began with the St. Louis Fire Department carrying a U.S., Missouri, and St. Louis flag followed by BandTogether, St. Louis’ LGBT+ Band and Color Guard since 1997. Members twirled pink metallic flags backed by a full band that played Missouri native pop star Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” as they marched down the street.
This year’s parade sponsor Vivent Health had an extravagant presentation. An HIV medical care provider for more than 40 years, they brought out big red letters to spell the organization’s name. These letters led the charge – which were followed by drag queens, families, and community members who carried a large rainbow parachute that resembled a wave as it rippled in the wind. Their procession ended with a pickup truck wrapped in the organization’s banner topped with a dramatic rainbow balloon display that resembled fireworks.
The Pride STL 2025 Royal Court was also a parade main attraction. Each member rode on top of their own convertible in shades of blue. Vanessa Frost, who was crowned 2025 Ms. Pride, ended the convoy wearing a baby blue beaded and sequined lace gown waving an American flag that faded into the LGBTQIA+ flag.
Despite the loss of a historic sponsor, organizers, Zuniga, the Pride St. Louis board and volunteers came together with members of the community, local business, and allies once again presented a festival where love, strength and unity had the opportunity to shine.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
