It's All Happening At Come Out with Pride!
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 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."
Jojo Healdines
Come Out With Pride previously announced that JoJo will perform at this year's festival. JoJo will headline the festival on the Pride Main Stage sponsored by Nissan, located at the amphitheater in Lake Eola Park. The singer's performance will complete the day's entertainment lineup and be followed by a fireworks show closing Pride.
"We are thrilled to be able to have JoJo perform in Orlando as part of her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community," said Brian Riha, board president and entertainment director of Come Out With Pride, Inc. "JoJo's new music and her journey of finding her voice is something to which we can all relate. She is a perfect match to headline Pride."
JoJo, most known for Billboard chart-topping singles including "Leave (Get Out)" and "Too Little Too Late," recently announced her new imprint and joint venture with Interscope Records called Clover Music. Most recently, the singer-songwriter has completed her headline tour of her current album, Mad Love, which she describes as, "passionate, crazy, vulnerable and all about the thing that keeps us going-love." The album debuted at #1 on the iTunes Pop Chart and #6 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart.
Keep Dancing!
The theme of this year's COME OUT WITH PRIDE is #KeepDancingOrlando. What began as a movement last year in response to the Pulse tragedy will continue to heal and build unity in our community.
"While more than a year has passed, the loss of those taken from us on June 12 is still felt everyday," said Brian Riha, COWP Board President. "Yet despite all the negativity and hatred we witness in the news everyday, the people of Orlando know that love, kindness and respect towards others is the right path. #KeepDancingOrlando will honor the memories of the 49 by showing that we will prevail."
The 13th annual Come Out With Pride Festival, Orlando's officially sanctioned Pride event, will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Downtown Orlando's Lake Eola Park. Over 150,000 attendees from across Central Florida and beyond are expected to celebrate together and #KeepDancingOrlando.
About Come Out With Pride
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