Have you noticed something off about this past June? While Pride Month is typically a vibrant celebration filled with colors, voices, and stories from the LGBTQ+ community, 2025 brought a quieter tone in some unexpected places — namely in the world of LGBTQ+ media. A recent article from Digiday titled LGBTQ+ publishers grapple with a Pride Month ad spend slowdown uncovered a surprising truth: ad dollars that usually pour into LGBTQ+ media during June have dwindled, leaving publishers scrambling and communities questioning what it means for representation and support moving forward.
So why does this matter to those of us exploring alternative pathways to parenthood, especially within the LGBTQ+ community?
The Ripple Effect Beyond Media
Pride Month isn’t just about parades and parties — it’s a crucial time when LGBTQ+-focused companies, nonprofits, and creators get visibility and funding. Those ad dollars help sustain platforms that share personal stories, provide resources, and build communities around family building journeys that aren’t yet mainstream. When funding dips, so does the ability to reach and support those who need it most.
Imagine trying to find trustworthy information on how to start a family as a queer couple or single parent. It’s already a maze filled with legal, medical, and emotional hurdles. Now, without robust media support during Pride, the lifelines that connect us—stories, advice, and product recommendations—risk becoming harder to access.
Why Representation Matters in Family Building
Representation shows us what’s possible. When we see families that look like ours thriving, it fuels hope and confidence. It also directs attention to the specific challenges we face. For LGBTQ+ individuals and couples, this often means navigating fertility treatments, donor choices, legal complexities, and financial planning with fewer role models and less tailored guidance.
One way to combat this is through resources that empower self-directed family building. For example, many are turning to affordable, discreet at-home insemination kits like those from MakeAMom. Their reusable kits (CryoBaby, Impregnator, and BabyMaker) cater to a variety of fertility needs with dignity and privacy. This kind of product support, combined with accessible community stories, helps bridge the gap left by shrinking media budgets.
The Courage to Create Families on Our Own Terms
The slowdown in Pride Month advertising is more than just a financial hiccup—it’s a reminder of how easy it is for LGBTQ+ voices to be pushed to the margins. But it also challenges us to be proactive. How can we foster spaces that celebrate and support queer family building all year round, not just in June?
Here are some ideas:
- Support LGBTQ+-owned and LGBTQ+-focused family resources and media. Subscribing, sharing, and engaging with these platforms helps keep them alive.
- Spread the word about inclusive fertility options. Tools like MakeAMom’s kits are game-changers for many.
- Share your journey. Personal stories create powerful ripples. They transform isolated experiences into shared hope.
- Advocate for consistent corporate support. Pride should be more than a marketing moment—it should be a commitment.
Looking Forward: What Can We Do?
It’s understandable to feel disheartened by the news of ad spend slowdowns. But what if this moment could spark a new wave of dedication to authentic, year-round visibility? The future of LGBTQ+ family building depends on it.
If you’re on your own family journey, remember that you’re not alone—and resources like MakeAMom are designed with your experience in mind, offering user-friendly, cost-effective options to help you take control.
What do you think? How has the changing landscape of LGBTQ+ media affected your family-building path? Share your experiences and let’s keep the conversation alive—because every voice deserves to be heard, every family deserves to be seen.
This post is inspired by insights uncovered in this Digiday article, highlighting challenges faced by LGBTQ+ publishers during Pride Month 2025.