Come Out with Pride Orlando Announces 2017 Parade Grand Marshals
ORLANDO, FL, September 27, 2017 - Come Out With Pride is proud to announce this year's Community, Talent and Honorary Grand Marshals for the Most Colorful Parade on October 14.
The 2017 Community Grand Marshal is Rebecca Storozuk, Orange County's (OC) first transgender deputy. Storozuk is a shining example that anyone-no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, race or age can be a model citizen working and serving in any capacity. "I'm living my truth and not letting my past hold me back anymore!," said Storozuk. "I'm no longer taking my days or even my hours for granted."
An army veteran and OC deputy since 2012, Storozuk was inspired last year to be true to herself following the tragedy at Pulse, a place she enjoyed and felt safe at. "When I stumbled and faced loss along the way, the Orlando community was there to carry me when I couldn't carry myself. I love this community and look forward to growing together."
This year's Talent Grand Marshal is the Orlando Gay Chorus (OGC). For over 25 years OGC has performed around Central Florida in everything from concerts to cabarets. Since June 2016 the group has performed at over a hundred special events to benefit and heal communities affected by Pulse tragedy.
"As the world wakes up and continues to realize there's no place for hate, we remember and recognize our past when there was no place for our members except for within our organization.," said OGC Board Chair J.D. Casto. "We also recognize that for some this hatred, fear, and persecution is still very real. We are here for you, we will continue to be here for you, and we will continue to spread our message of love and acceptance."
In memory of his incredible career as a journalist and community activist, former Orlando Weekly and Watermark editor Billy Manes is posthumously recognized as this year's Honorary Grand Marshal.
"Billy Manes believed in the power of community. He knew one must be an active part of a larger community that promotes openness, fairness, and access," said Manes' husband, Tony Mauss. "He was genuinely interested and invested in each individual he met."
Come Out With Pride, now in its 13th year, is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors to the City of Orlando. Last November, Come Out With Pride called on the community to come together and honor the lives that were lost at Pulse Nightclub. This year, we will continue to honor their memory with the #KeepDancingOrlando festival theme to ensure that our community continues to heal and move forward.
Come Out With Pride, Inc. is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization inspired to make an impact in Orlando's LGBTQ+ community. Celebrated in October, Come Out With Pride welcomes everyone from Central Florida and beyond to come together and celebrate diverse communities. Come Out With Pride is also dedicated to supporting the community through grants and scholarships via its 'Pride Gives Back' program. For more information, go to www.comeoutwithpride.com.