New York City Pride Announces Grand Marshals for 2024 March

NYC Pride is thrilled to announce its lineup of Grand Marshals for the 2024 NYC Pride March. Joining the ranks of honor this year are DaShawn Usher, Miss Major, Raquel Willis, Michelle Visage, Eshe Ukwell, and Baddie Brooks. This diverse selection of leaders reflects the spirit of unity, resilience, and celebration within the LGBTQIA+ community. Co-Chair Kazz Alexander states "Now more than ever It is imperative for members across our community to unite behind the mission of the LGBTQIA+ cause: simply the opportunity to love, and to be able to live as you desire. This year we're calling all individuals across all identities to action. Advocates and allies come and show pride with us; support the Queer community, support one another, and connect to this mission so that we each have equal access to civil liberties and the right to exist. When we are all unified in the spirit of liberation for the most marginalized-- we all benefit."

DaShawn Usher, Senior Director of Communities of Color and Media at GLAAD, and Founder + Executive Director of Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI), brings dedication to advocacy and empowerment. Usher expressed their gratitude, stating, "As a Grand Marshal for New York City Pride, I am honored to represent a community that embodies resilience, diversity, and unity. Being from the South Bronx, I grew up knowing that our individual differences made us collectively stronger."

Miss Major, a legendary transgender activist, has devoted her life to championing the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. Miss Major states "It wasn't a movement as much as we (the trans guys and gurls) just wanted the cops to stop beating us up every chance they got. It is important for the younger trans generation to know that it was trans generation to read their history and to know why it was trans people who started it all at Stonewall in 1969. I hope that in discovering their history, they will feel empowered to do more to make sure that these anti-trans laws do not rear their ugly heads ever again. To do that, the trans youth must unite, stand tall, and be counted for who they are!" Raquel Willis, an acclaimed writer and activist, is renowned for her intersectional advocacy work. She remarked, "I'm honored to be chosen as a Grand Marshal for NYC Pride. I wouldn't be who I am and know my power without the influences of my transistors."

Joining them is beloved celebrity Michelle Visage who has been an ally and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Michelle Visage expressed her excitement, stating, "To say I'm honored to be chosen as the Grand Marshal of NYC Pride is an understatement. This is a momentous occasion for me as a Jersey girl who moved to NYC when I was 17 to chase my dreams."

Grand Marshal's in the Youth Activist category is well-represented with Eshe Ukwell, Baddie Brooks and Robin Drake three inspiring young leaders.The Youth Activist Grand Marshal embodies unwavering dedication to championing the rights and aspirations of Queer Youth, a noble endeavor supported by the inclusion of three esteemed representatives from within the community, ensuring their voices are heard and respected on the grandest stage. Eshe Ukwell shared her excitement, stating, "I am so excited and honored to be chosen as one of this year's Grand Marshals for NYC Pride." Baddie Brooks expressed her dedication to the cause, saying, "We need to PROTECT Trans and Queer youth, because what is visibility without safety? A trap."

The 2024 NYC Pride March, scheduled for June 30th, promises to be a joyous celebration of love, acceptance, and progress. LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and supporters from around the world are invited to join in solidarity and celebration.

For more information about NYC Pride and the 2024 Pride March, please visit www.nycpride.org.