The Christopher Street West Association (CSW) recently unveiled the grand marshals for this year’s highly anticipated L.A. Pride Parade, set to take place on June 11. With a strong focus on LGBTQ+ representation and activism, the grand marshals include legendary queer comedian Margaret Cho as the Icon Grand Marshal, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Southern California (ACLU SoCal) as the Community Grand Marshal, and the late gay actor Leslie Jordan as the parade’s Legacy Grand Marshal.
Margaret Cho, a renowned five-time Grammy and Emmy nominee, has been selected as the Icon Grand Marshal in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements in the entertainment industry. Known for her fearless comedy and unwavering dedication to important causes, Cho embodies the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing fight for acceptance and equality. Reflecting on her role, Cho expressed her excitement, stating, “We need this Pride more than ever… Our love is greater than their hate.”
Leslie Jordan, a beloved figure in the entertainment world, will be honored posthumously as the parade’s Legacy Grand Marshal. With a diverse and illustrious career spanning several decades, Jordan touched the hearts of many through his performances and commitment to making people laugh. As an outspoken advocate for equal rights, Jordan’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community continues to be felt even after his passing. His sister, Jana “Cricket” Jordan, remarked, “This honor further solidifies the positive impact he made in the world… His spirit continues to bring love and light.”
Recognizing the importance of advocacy and legal protection, the ACLU SoCal has been named the Community Grand Marshal. The organization played a pivotal role in the history of L.A. Pride Parade, assisting CSW in obtaining the first-ever permit for a queer parade in 1970. Their tireless efforts in defending and championing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals have had a lasting impact. Hector Villagra, executive director of the ACLU SoCal, expressed pride in the organization’s recognition, stating, “We’re honored to be the Community Grand Marshal and proud to love, live among, and protect LGBTQ Californians.”
The L.A. Pride Parade, set to begin at Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue, will be a vibrant celebration of love, diversity, and activism. This year’s event promises to be particularly special, featuring a drag performance presented by the ACLU SoCal and curated by Morgan McMichaels, accompanied by music from the acclaimed 14-time Oscar nominee, Diane Warren. The parade will be broadcast live on KABC/ABC7 and streamed nationally on ABC News Live, Hulu, abc7.com, and the ABC7LA mobile app.
The grand marshals for the L.A. Pride Parade embody the spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, with their unwavering dedication, contributions, and advocacy. As the parade weaves through the streets of Los Angeles, it serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the continued work required to achieve acceptance, equality, and justice for all. Join the celebration and stand in solidarity with the vibrant LGBTQ+ community at this year’s L.A. Pride Parade.