UPDATE: A spokesperson for Equinox and SoulCycle issued the following statement to The Advocate:
"Neither Equinox nor SoulCycle have anything to do with the event later this week and do not support it. As is consistent with our policies, no company profits are used to fund politicians. We are committed to all our members and the communities we live in. We believe in tolerance and equality, and will always stay true to those values. Mr. Ross is a passive investor and is not involved in the management of either business."
The chairman of Related Companies, the parent company of Equinox and SoulCycle, is throwing a lavish fundraiser for the reelection of Donald Trump — and the LGBTQ reaction was a swift condemnation.
In less than an hour of The Advocate posting the news on social media, the Facebook comments section had filled with dozens of calls for a boycott of the elite exercise brands.
"Quit Equinox. Don't support haters," wrote Dennis Eisen.
"Boycott..yes, it works!" stated Dan Griffith.
"Leave in droves. Why would you give him your money?" asked Sebastian Holiday.
The chairman, developer Stephen Ross, will host a fundraiser for President Trump in the Hamptons. The Friday event, which will charge $100,000 for a photo and $250,000 to hear a roundtable discussion, will be attended by senior members of the Trump administration and First Family members like son-in-law Jared Kushner and Donald Trump, Jr.
Historically, Equinox has branded itself as an LGBTQ ally, partnering with the House Ballroom community and supporting charities like House Lives Matter to assist marginalized people. However, the news of Ross's fundraising for Trump — whose administration has actively worked to roll back LGBTQ rights — will likely overshadow any such efforts. Read more via the Advocate
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) August 7, 2019