Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has slashed £10,000 from London's forthcoming Soho Pride.
Adrian Eleftheriou, Soho Pride organiser, has been in discussions with the Mayor’s Office since February, but only received the decline for funds today - nine days before the 17 August event.
A spokesman for the Mayor replied: "'It is not possible to support every event in London and we have been very clear that a review of all events is underway. The GLA will continue to support the annual Pride celebrations, which have a very significant focus in Soho, thus also having an impact on local businesses, including gay owned ones.
"The gay community - and gay businesses - of course make a huge contribution to the life and economy of London, but in this case the priority has to be trying to tackle the terrible, potentially tragic, consequences of homophobic bullying, over a commercially led matter.
"What we will continue to do is ensure that the Pride celebrations can thrive and that London remains at the forefront of gay issues."
Organisers are appealing the decision, claiming that without the Mayor’s funding, this year’s Soho Pride could be the last.
Eleftheriou told Pink Paper: "The support from all of our sponsors is greatly appreciated but Soho Pride is now left with a budget deficit which is hoped can be collected on the day from the 150,000 Gay Londoners expected to attend Soho Pride.
"We are urging anybody who can spend a few hours volunteering to get in touch as soon as possible. All volunteers will receive a very generous pack of offers and discounts from our Soho Business Sponsors."