St. Petersburg As a near capacity crowd at Enigma night club watched the television screens, it was revealed that St. Pete Pride’s big-name entertainer for 2015 is Alex Newell, who played “Unique” on the FOX hit Glee.
The transgender character was a first for the show, which was recognized throughout its run for promoting diversity among LGBT students and the overall community.
St. Pete Pride executive director Eric Skains unveiled the video from the stage while also unveiling this year’s grand marshals.
Marshal candidates were selected by the St. Pete Pride board and then the community voted for three individuals and one organization through an online poll. Voting for the marshals closed on March 27.
Grand Marshals for 2015 are Tampa Bay Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce President Ashley Brundage, political campaign manager Nick Javonsky and LGBT Welcome Center director Larry Biddle. The organizational grand marshal is the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County.
“The ‘T’ is no longer silent,” Brundage said from the stage after learning of her win. “I thank everyone who has stood with me and supported the transgender community. We’re in this together.”
Janovsky talked politics from the stage, encouraging those in attendance who enjoyed domestic partnership recognitions and marriage equality to return to the polls during the next election cycle to ensure their rights are protected.
Stonewall Democrat president Susan McGrath echoed Janovsky’s sentiments.
All of the grand marshals will appear in St. Pete Pride’s night parade on June 27 as well as appear at official St. Pete Pride events.
Newell will perform at the 27/82 concert on June 26 at a location to be determined later.
For more information and details on the rest of the St. Pete Pride festivities for 2015, visit StPetePride.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.