Atlanta Pride Festival announces 8 grand marshals for 2024 celebration

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – June may be Pride Month, but the Atlanta Pride Festival takes place in October – and its grand marshals were announced in advance Thursday.

Eight individuals or organizations will be honored at this year’s celebration, which will take place October 12 and 13 under the theme “United with Pride.”

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“We are incredibly honored to have such an amazing United With Pride group this year,” said Chris McCain, Executive Director of Atlanta Pride. “Each Grand Marshal has made significant contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, and their dedication to equality and inclusion is truly inspiring. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and the vibrant diversity of our community at the 2024 Atlanta Pride Festival.”

Below are the commissioners:

Amber Moore (she/her)

Moore is the founder of Real Bois Talk, a nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for black, male-identified queer women. She is also the founder of Sigma Omega Phi Fraternity, a social service fraternity for lesbians.

Atlanta Freedom Groups

Atlanta Freedom Bands is a performing arts organization that uses music to positively represent the LGBTQ+ community. It includes the Atlanta Freedom Concert Band, the Atlanta Freedom Marching Band and Color Guard and the MetroGnomes Stage Band.

Dr. Elijah Nicholas (he/him)

Nicholas is the founder and president of the Global Trans Equity Project, which advocates for transgender rights through policy change and more.

Jorge Estevez (he/him)

Estevez is an Emmy Award-winning news anchor for WSB-TV who uses his platform to raise awareness for the LGBTQ+ community.

Youth lost and found

Lost-n-Found Youth is a nonprofit organization working to end homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth in Atlanta.

R. Darlene Hudson (she/her)

Hudson is the co-founder of the Southern Unity Movement, which seeks to unite the Black LGBTQ+ community. She also co-founded the Rustin Lorde Breakfast, an annual LGBTQ+ activist event.

Roger Rutkowski (he/him)

Rutkowski is the founder of the Atlanta Socializers and Mountain Men of North Georgia, two social groups where LGBTQ+ people can find connection and community.

Taylor ALXNDR (they/her)

ALXNDR is the Executive Director of Southern Fried Queer Pride, an organization that empowers queer and transgender people of color in the South through the arts. They are also one of the founders of the House of ALXNDR, an Atlanta-based drag family that hosts inclusive events.

Atlanta News First will broadcast the Atlanta Pride Parade, the city’s largest annual parade, live on PeachtreeTV on October 13.

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