TAMPA | Tampa Pride welcomed supporters to the Hilton Tampa Downtown March 3 for its Grand Marshal Gala, introducing this year’s honorees ahead of its upcoming eighth celebration, scheduled for March 26.
Organizers advised that the grand marshals were chosen by Tampa Pride’s board after receiving community nominations. Tampa Pride carefully reviewed each nominee’s contributions to and support of the local LGBTQ community.
“Thank you for the support you give us all year round,” Tampa Pride President Carrie West welcomed attendees. He subsequently introduced each of this year’s honorees, including grand marshal Rich Kerin, grand couple Joy and Lael Winheim, trailblazer and pioneer Bill Kanouff, recognized organization Metro Inclusive Health and recognized community leader Dick Greco, Tampa’s former mayor. Each expressed their gratitude for the honor while receiving an award.
Tampa Pride will also honor the late Tiffani Middlesexx this year, the legendary Tampa Bay entertainer who died in January. West welcomed MCC Tampa Senior Pastor Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw to reflect on her life and presented him with a gift made in her honor for the church, which Middlesexx actively attended.
“It has been a crazy year for everyone,” West also noted that evening, flanked by performances from Miss Tampa Pride and recording artist Ani. “We have chosen this year’s grand marshals for a simple reason – their service, their humanity and love of mankind.”
Watermark was on hand to celebrate this year’s grand marshals and more. View our photos below.
Photos by Ryan Williams-Jent.
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