Read about some of this year's marshals as well as interviews with honorary grand marshals Daniel Hernandez and Sheriff Lupe Valdez
When Lupe Valdez was elected sheriff in Dallas County, Texas, nine years ago, she made international headlines.
As a Democrat in the heavily Republican state of Texas with President George W. Bush, one of the state’s most famous residents in the White House, her victory was noteworthy. Even more noteworthy was the fact she was also a Latina and an out lesbian.
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.