In a repeat of an already successful partnership, Procter & Gamble Co. in June will again team up with iHeartMedia for the return of “Can’t Cancel Pride,” a virtual relief benefit for the LGBTQ+ community as part of the company’s Pride Month observances.
The benefit is scheduled to feature performances and appearances from “the most influential voices in the community,” and what iHeart promises to be “the biggest names in culture and entertainment.”
“Can’t Cancel Pride” formally returns on June 4 at 9pm, in each time zone. The event will stream on iHeartRadio’s YouTube, Facebook, Instagram TV pages, iHeartRadio’s PrideRadio.com and broadcast on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide. It will also be available on demand throughout Pride Month — until Thursday, June 30.
The event began in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic’s spread across the U.S.
This year, “Can’t Cancel Pride” will also again partner with The Greater Cincinnati Foundation to administer and distribute financial support raised by the event to LGBTQ+ organizations with a track record of positive impact and support of the LGBTQ+ community.
This includes GLAAD, SAGE, The Trevor Project, the National Black Justice Coalition, CenterLink and OutRight Action International.
The 2020 inaugural virtual relief benefit helped raise visibility and funds for LGBTQ+ communities most impacted by COVID-19; the pandemic had a damaging effect on the fund-raising efforts that LGBTQ+ organizations rely on to survive. It has also closed community centers, prevented support groups to meet in person and has had an adverse effect on a number of industries in which so many LGBTQ+ people make their living.
Partnering with six organizations with a long track-record in creating positive change within the community, “Can’t Cancel Pride” raised over $4 million.
Hosted by Elvis Duran and Laverne Cox, the one-hour benefit special featured performances by Adam Lambert, Ben Platt, Big Freedia with Tank and the Bangas, Katy Perry, Kim Petras, Melissa Etheridge, Sia, Ricky Martin and Carla Morrison, as well as John Cameron Mitchell, Neil Patrick Harris, Darren Criss, Andrew Rannells and more.
In addition to music, “Can’t Cancel Pride” also featured special appearances from Billy Porter, Bebe Rexha, Cara Delevingne, Ciara, Dan Levy, Hayley Kiyoko, Kermit The Frog, Lena Waithe, Matt Bomer, Nico Tortorella, Peppermint, and Tituss Burgess.
This article was originally published in Radio & Television Business Report on May 3, 2021.
