News and Events => Political and Legal News => Topic started by: Jessica_Rose on September 16, 2026, 08:34:15 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Equalpride board member resigns over reported MAGA links
Post by: Jessica_Rose on September 16, 2026, 08:34:15 AM
Post by: Jessica_Rose on September 16, 2026, 08:34:15 AM
LGBTQ+ news sites respond after Equalpride board member resigns over reported MAGA links
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/09/16/equalpride-katari-resignation-2026/
PinkNews Staff (16 Sep 2026)
Jay Katari has resigned from equalpride's board after editors across multiple LGBTQ+ news outlets publicly demanded clarification over reports of alleged pro-MAGA social media from him and his expanding role at the company.
The editors of The Advocate, Out, Them, Pride.com, Out Traveler and Plus posted a joint editors' Instagram statement on Monday (14 September) saying: "Our editors became aware of concerning reports this morning that Jay Katari — one of the board members of our parent company, equalpride — may have espoused beliefs that are antithetical to the mission of our brands," adding: "Please know that Katari's position has not influenced our reporting."
Equalpride CEO Mark Berryhill announced Katari's departure in an email to employees on Tuesday afternoon (15 September). Katari's name and biography were removed from equalpride's website shortly afterwards, as detailed in the email shared with staff.
In a statement shared by Berryhill, Katari said: "I have decided to step down from the Board of Directors of equalpride," adding: "My intention was simply to volunteer my time and experience to support the incredible team and the important work they do for the LGBTQ+ community."
The dispute followed an investigation by independent journalist Kevin Ortega-Rojas, which documented Katari's social media activity, including an image of him wearing a MAGA hat. Ortega-Rojas identified no public statement in which Katari directly attacked LGBTQ+ people; however, he was reported to have appeared to make fun of the trans community in an Instagram bio listing "Pronouns-dude/bro/guy/man/Jedi."
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@Sarah B
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/09/16/equalpride-katari-resignation-2026/
PinkNews Staff (16 Sep 2026)
Jay Katari has resigned from equalpride's board after editors across multiple LGBTQ+ news outlets publicly demanded clarification over reports of alleged pro-MAGA social media from him and his expanding role at the company.
The editors of The Advocate, Out, Them, Pride.com, Out Traveler and Plus posted a joint editors' Instagram statement on Monday (14 September) saying: "Our editors became aware of concerning reports this morning that Jay Katari — one of the board members of our parent company, equalpride — may have espoused beliefs that are antithetical to the mission of our brands," adding: "Please know that Katari's position has not influenced our reporting."
Equalpride CEO Mark Berryhill announced Katari's departure in an email to employees on Tuesday afternoon (15 September). Katari's name and biography were removed from equalpride's website shortly afterwards, as detailed in the email shared with staff.
In a statement shared by Berryhill, Katari said: "I have decided to step down from the Board of Directors of equalpride," adding: "My intention was simply to volunteer my time and experience to support the incredible team and the important work they do for the LGBTQ+ community."
The dispute followed an investigation by independent journalist Kevin Ortega-Rojas, which documented Katari's social media activity, including an image of him wearing a MAGA hat. Ortega-Rojas identified no public statement in which Katari directly attacked LGBTQ+ people; however, he was reported to have appeared to make fun of the trans community in an Instagram bio listing "Pronouns-dude/bro/guy/man/Jedi."
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@Sarah B