Once again, the Seattle Pride march this year is downtown on Fourth Avenue from Union Street to Denny Way. It kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 24, and is planned to pass any point in an hour, though the overall time from beginning to end for participants may be as long as two and a half hours.
Seattle Out and Proud (SOaP) is presenting the parade again this year, but has given up organizing a festival. Saturday's QueerFest in Volunteer Park is under the direction of the Seattle LGBT Community Center, and an after-parade festival at the Seattle Center is under the auspices of One Degree Events.
The parade announcer's booth, ADA viewing area and media viewing area will be at Westlake Park between Pike and Pine on Fourth Avenue.
"Mom" Finley is the parade announcer again this year. A stage performer for 40 years-more than half of them in drag-Finley is famous for his quick wit and comedic abilities.
Dennis Coleman, artistic director of the Seattle Men's Chorus, is this year's Male Grand Marshal. Coleman has worked in Seattle's LGBT community for 26 years with the Seattle Men's Chorus, the largest gay chorus in the United States. More recently, he helped found the Seattle Women's Chorus, a thriving performance group that pulls together both lesbian and straight women in a common mission. These two choruses are recognized leaders in the international LGBT chorus movement, which boasts 170 choruses in the United States and more than 100 choruses internationally. In 2000, Coleman was awarded the Legacy Award for leadership in the international lesbian and gay choral movement.
Kiantha Duncan-Woods, board president of Seattle Black Pride, is this year's Female Grand Marshal. Duncan-Woods has a wealth of leadership experience with diverse communities. As a successful business owner she is skilled at grant-writing/fundraising/community organizing, and is passionate for community and the cause of Seattle Black Pride. Duncan-Woods' choice was uncontested by the committee. She says she is excited about working to guide the strength and vision of Seattle Black Pride in 2007 and beyond.
Chuck Lazenby, born and raised in Seattle, is this year's Celebrity Grand Marshal. The youngest of five children, Chuck ran away from home at the age of 16. Within a few years he met his partner David Asplund, with whom he lived for 50 years to the week, before David died in 1999. Through the support of his UCC church, Chuck came out and has been a volunteer for several organizations supporting the LGBT community. Lazenby appeared in Drew Emery's prior video project, "The Bridge," before telling his story in "Inlaws & Outlaws."
Jane Abbott Lighty and Pete Petersen met more than 30 years ago in Sacramento, Calif., and they have been in a committed relationship ever since. Lighty and Petersen were married at Seattle First Baptist Church in October 2005. Since their retirement from nursing careers, they have devoted their time to the Seattle Women's Chorus, an appearance in the film "Inlaws & Outlaws" and community activities.
Organization Grand Marshal this year is the Gay Fathers Association of Seattle. The association is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all gay and/or bisexual men who have children. GFAS seeks to promote community awareness, act as a referral and resource network, and provide peer support for the entire family.
Special guests this year are musicians Jenna Drey, Alyson and Reina.
Singer/songwriter Jenna Drey has had three Billboard chart toppers-"Killin' Me," "Why Should I Believe You" and "By The Way." Not only does she have pipes of steel, she has a three-octave range.
Alyson-singer, songwriter, dancer and actress-is the only truly independent pop artist to score four consecutive Top 5 national hit singles in the United States from a debut album, "PM Media."
Reina's career began as a backup singer for Deborah Cox and dance artist Corina. In 1998 she recorded and released the acclaimed dance anthem "Find Another Woman," which reached No. 2 on Billboard's dance chart. Other hits include "No one's gonna change you," "If I close my eyes," as well as her current single, "On my own."
The parade has more than 130 entries.
Korte Brueckmann is a freelance contributor to the Capitol Hill Times. He can be reached at editor@capitol-hilltimes.com.[[In-content Ad]]
