ABOVE: (L-R) Bill Kanouff, Lael Arango, Joy Winheim, Rich Kerin, Metro Inclusive Health, Dick Greco, Tiffani Middlesexx. Photos via Tampa Pride/Facebook.
TAMPA | Tampa Pride has announced the grand marshals for its upcoming eighth celebration, currently scheduled to return to Ybor March 26.
Tampa Pride solicited supporters to nominate grand marshals in four categories for this year’s event. Organizers sought suggestions for an LGBTQ or LGBTQ-affirming trailblazer, grand couple, community leader and business.
“Our annual Tampa Pride event celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies in the Tampa Bay area, championing our shared experiences, honoring our differences and strengthening our community,” Tampa Pride shared at the time. “To that end, we are opening nominations for Tampa Pride Grand Marshals to the general public.”
Nominations were accepted until Dec. 31, 2021. The grand marshals were chosen and voted on by the organization’s board of directors during their first meeting in January.
A total of five individuals and one organization were selected. Rich Kerin will serve as a grand marshal, Empath Partners in Care Executive Director Joy Winheim and her spouse Lael Arango will serve as the grand couple, Bill Kanouff of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay will be recognized as a community trailblazer and former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco will serve as the LGBTQA Recognized Community Leader. Metro Inclusive Health was named Tampa Pride’s recognized organization.
Local drag legend Tiffani Middlesexx, who died Jan. 11 at 73, was also named an honorary grand marshal this year. Tampa Pride first announced the news following her death via social media.
“Tampa Pride is devastated to learn of the loss of Florida Drag ICON Gerald Mayes, AKA Tiffani Middlesexx,” the organization shared Jan. 11. “Gerald was a pioneer in Tampa’s drag community and the Florida community at large. He has touched the lives of almost every local drag performer in one way or another, and we are honored to have shared many memories with him.
“In honor of Gerald’s life and contributions to the community, Tampa Pride has named him our 2022 Honorary Grand Marshal,” the organization continued. “May his memory live on forever. Rest in Power, Tiffani.”
Planning for Tampa Pride 2022 is well underway, and organizers are still seeking sponsorships and entertainment. For more information, visit TampaPride.org.
