A week after announcing the 2013 Atlanta Pride parade grand marshals, the Atlanta Pride Committee today released the names of the 2013 parade's honorary grand marshals.
The parade grand marshals are traditionally local LGBT rights activists, who are recognized for their work in Atlanta. The honorary grand marshals, however, are usually individuals not from Atlanta who have made a contribution to LGBT causes.
Daniel Hernandez, Jr., an Arizona native and former intern for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who is credited with saving her life after she was shot at a local meet-and-greet with constituents; noted gay filmmaker and playwright Del Shores; and Lupe Valdez, the lesbian sheriff of Dallas County, Texas, are this year's honorees.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend in gay Atlanta means parties, parties, parties. Gay promoters know thousands of people are visiting the birthplace of the civil rights icon not only to commemorate but to celebrate.
“People come to Atlanta because of the festivities we all have to offer. But by Atlanta being the home of the civil rights leader, it adds history to the weekend,” says Phillip Boone, owner of Traxx Atlanta, one of the largest black gay promoters in the country. Traxx celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The tough economy impacts party promoters. Boone says Traxx Atlanta knows the pockets of partiers are not as deep as in the past and is striving to bring affordable entertainment in a city that’s famous for its black gay events.