The distinguished list of people who have served as grand marshals of Philadelphia’s Pride Parade is lengthy — and is about to get a whole lot longer.
For the first time, two groups, instead of individuals, will serve in the honorary positions: the newly created Gay Officer Action League, an association of LGBT and ally police officers, and a collection of LGBT and ally city employees. Mayor Jim Kenney will be named Friend of Pride.
Franny Price, executive director of Philly Pride Presents, which stages the annual event, announced the marshals during an April 16 happy hour for LGBT and ally city employees at Rosewood.
GOAL formed last year and this was to be its first year marching in the parade. Fitzpatrick last year organized about 50 city employees to march in the parade, the first time the city had a specific contingent.
Fitzpatrick said the grand marshal designation is an honor for both groups, and signals a sea change.
“For so long, LGBT people have demanded and fought for equality on all fronts, and one of those fronts is within systems like city government and police departments,” Fitzpatrick said. “So to see these folks being honored who have been here on the inside doing this work, sometimes since before it was OK to be out, is incredible. It’s a great moment for the city.”
The recognition will be another step toward increased connectivity among LGBT and ally city employees.
“In just a year, the number of people who have come to these events is just unbelievable,” Fitzpatrick said about the launch of a series of LGBT social events for city workers. “It’s been neat to watch it grow, to see these barriers breaking down and people being out and proud and celebrating openly being LGBT and being a city employee or a law-enforcement officer. They’re able to be proud of who they are and of what they do, and that’s fantastic. ”
That idea of connectivity also fueled the theme for the June 12 event: RU Connected?
“That’s a loaded question, and we wanted it to be,” Price said, noting the theme is meant to generate discussions about community involvement that can span many different areas.
Price expects at least 50 city employees to participate in the city group, and about 30 officers in the GOAL contingent. Typically, the grand marshals ride a designated float that leads the parade, but because of the groups’ size, participants will march in the parade. A grand marshal float will still be included, which group members who cannot march or who want a break can ride.