LGBTQ+ news sites respond after Equalpride board member resigns over reported MAGA links
Jay Katari (Facebook/Jay Katari)
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.”
What sparked the backlash
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.”
Katari was listed by equalpride as a board member and “Strategic Advisor, Growth & Innovation”. On 31 August, Berryhill emailed employees to say he had “full confidence in Jay” and encouraged staff to prioritise meetings with Katari. He assured staff that said meetings with Katari were intended for Katari to better understand employees’ roles and work, and that Katari would not be playing an editorial role. After staff noted Katari had already met with at least one person involved in editorial or social media and sought other meetings, those conversations were halted by Berryhill.
Governance changes at equalpride
Berryhill also wrote that, under equalpride’s investment agreements, its lead investor group could appoint two directors without CEO or management approval, and that Katari joined through that process. He added that the investor group has now given him authority to appoint future board members, as set out in Berryhill’s statement after the resignation.
Equalpride has owned The Advocate, Out, Pride.com, Out Traveler and Plus since 2022 and acquired Them in February 2026. The company laid off journalists and editors at The Advocate, Out and Pride.com shortly before acquiring Them, and several existing Them staffers were cut during the acquisition process.
