Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — March 24, 2025 — NEA Progress announced Monday that PRIDEfest 2025 would be canceled this year.
In a post on Facebook, the pro-LGBTQ+ nonprofit said the decision came after various challenges made it “impossible to move forward with the event in a way our community deserves.”
Later, in a comment posted at 3:03 p.m. under the post, NEA Progress provided more context as to why the event was canceled.
“To be clear, this decision was not influenced by the election or any outside pressure. The reality is that with our executive director no longer living in NEA and potentially relocating from the south altogether and our remaining team member unable to continue due to scheduling conflicts, we simply do not have the capacity to organize PRIDEFest this year,” the comment said.
The organization apologized for not being more clear in its initial post.
“While we are saddened by this year’s cancellation, our commitment to uplifting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community remains steadfast,” the post said. “NEA Progress remains dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for connection, and we look forward to the possibility of bringing PRIDEFest back stronger in the future.”