TL;DR
- Bernie Wagenblast named NYC Pride grand marshal
- First out trans woman voice of subway
- Celebrating trans visibility in 2026
- Wagenblast emphasizes privilege and support
- Pride theme ‘For All of Us’ highlights inclusivity
In a stunning move that has subway riders buzzing, NYC Pride has announced Bernie Wagenblast, the iconic voice of the New York City subway, as one of its grand marshals for the 2026 Pride March. This year, the event is not just about parades and parties; it’s a powerful statement of visibility and inclusion, especially for the transgender community. With Wagenblast leading the charge, it’s clear that NYC Pride is making waves in the fight for equality.
Wagenblast, a transportation journalist and voice actor, is one of three out transgender grand marshals selected for this year’s festivities. The announcement comes as NYC Pride continues to spotlight transgender women, with actress Dominique Jackson from FX’s Pose and Peppermint, the trailblazing queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, also taking on grand marshal roles. Talk about a lineup that’s as fierce as it is fabulous!
“You may not recognize this voice, but I hope you recognize this. ‘The next downtown 2 train is approaching the station. Please stand away from the platform edge,'” Wagenblast quipped, reminding us all of her iconic role. At 69, Wagenblast reflects on her journey since socially transitioning just over three years ago, and she’s not shy about sharing her pride. “It’s been one amazing thing after another. And this is just the latest in that long list of things that I never anticipated, never would have expected,” she told Out.
But it’s not just about the honor of being a grand marshal; Wagenblast is also a voice for change. She’s been actively involved in the LGBTQ community, marching alongside her union, SAG-AFTRA, and participating as one of the 2.5 million observers in the 2024 Pride March. Her commitment to advocacy is clear, and she’s using her platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the trans community.
https://www.youtu.be/FTKa1Sdztmc?si=EzWYMGXHmoHDkDtz
Wagenblast’s accolades are impressive, including a 2025 Clio Award for her role as the announcer at the inauguration of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. She’s also collaborated with Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda on his upcoming album, Warriors, proving that her voice is not just heard on subway platforms but also in the world of music and theater.
In her own words, Wagenblast acknowledges her privilege as a late-transitioner and a white woman living in a progressive area. “I realize I have a tremendous amount of privilege being white, the fact that I transitioned as late in life as I did; I was 66 when I socially transitioned,” she explains. “I acknowledge all of those things.” She also draws inspiration from the civil rights movement, emphasizing that the fight for LGBTQ rights is part of a larger struggle for justice and equality.
As NYC Pride gears up for the 2026 celebration, the theme “For All of Us” resonates deeply with Wagenblast. She emphasizes that this message is not just for those in the LGBTQ community but for everyone, regardless of where they live. “If you’re watching this in Kansas, Idaho, Texas, Florida, we want to be there for you,” she asserts, making it clear that the fight for acceptance and rights is a collective effort.
Wagenblast’s determination to stay and fight for her community, rather than flee the country, is a testament to her commitment. “I do not want to leave the country because that would just be another way of me enjoying my privilege. Because there are people who cannot leave the country,” she says, reminding us all of the importance of solidarity.
In a heartfelt message to transgender youth, Wagenblast shares her hope that no child has to wait until they are 66 to live their truth. “I was a trans kid. I was in their shoes,” she reflects. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for those who may feel lost in their journey.
As we look forward to the 2026 NYC Pride March, Wagenblast’s voice will undoubtedly echo through the streets, reminding us all of the power of trans joy and the importance of fighting for a world where everyone can be their true selves. Change is possible, and with leaders like Wagenblast at the forefront, the future looks bright for the LGBTQ community.
NYC Pride will announce its fourth grand marshal soon, and we can’t wait to see who else will join this fabulous lineup. Stay tuned, because this year’s celebration is set to be one for the history books!