Two weeks ago, Jay Katari was appointed board member and named the Strategic Advisor, Growth & Innovation at the company equalpride. However, on Monday, reports reached several LGBTQ+ outlets detailing Katari’s support of MAGA and of Donald Trump. Equalpride owns LGBTQ+ outlets such as The Advocate, Pride, Plus and Them.
CEO Mark Berryhill expressed his excitement for Katari’s role, telling equalpride editors “I have full confidence in Jay” and that he “genuinely loves what we do at equalpride and believes deeply in our mission.” Berryhill brought Katari on to expand equalpride’s revenue and work on the business side of the company.
However, when these publications became aware of Katari’s political stance, the LGBTQ+ publications’ editorial team sent an email asking for clarification on his role and voicing their concerns to management.
View this post on Instagram
This joint statement followed an investigation by private journalist Ortega-Rojas. He compiled evidence from social media of Katari at Pro-Trump events, following members of the Trump family and administration, wearing a MAGA hat and mocking former Democratic candidate Joe Biden. In the investigation nowhere did Ortega-Rojas claim Katari put down the LGBTQ+ community publicly.
In response, Berryhill told the employees they would be talked to individually by Katari and to “make the time and prioritize the opportunity to connect with him.” The purpose was for Katari to understand all employees’ missions and allow them to raise concerns they had.
However, the company’s tone changed within days. Berryhill claimed not everything was known, or should be known, about board members. He also explained Katari would not be involved in any editorial decisions, but was there to develop revenue streams.
Employees were quick to say that his views did not align with their mission at equalpride and that he had, in fact, already met with a member of the editorial team, pending more soon. Berryhill did not respond to these concerns and stopped the conversation.
Since his return to office in 2025 Trump has put resources into anti- LGBTQ+ efforts. His administration has focused on removing gay and especially trans rights such as restricting transgender American passports.
Additionally, these concerns come during a period of suspicion for equalpride. Recently, equalpride has laid off journalists at The Advocate, Out, Them and Pride.com.
After pushback, Berryhill claimed he shared these organizations’ apprehension and promised there would be an investigation before drastic measures or public statements. Still, he defended his decision saying he met Katari through a private equity fund and Katari had already financed the company for years.
Editors and reporters reassured readers and promised to continue their independent reporting for the LGBTQ+ community.
Katari resigned from the equalpride board on Sept. 15 after investigation.
Graphic courtesy of social media
