LA Pride Introduces 2015 Grand Marshals

Christopher Street West celebrates the 45th Anniversary of LA Pride with announcement of its most iconic and honored roles within the weekend festivities, the Parade Grand Marshal and Community Grand Marshal. Two titles awarded to individuals or a group to acknowledge their efforts in championing TLGB rights and equality. This year the organization is honored to announce the official 2015 Grand Marshal, Reverend Troy Perry & Zoey. In addition to the Grand Marshal, the organization is pleased to announce its Community Grand Marshal, the cast & crew of Amazon's hit show, Transparent.

"We are extremely proud of what the TLGB community has accomplished here in Los Angeles over the last 45 years and at the center of these accomplishments has been Reverend Troy Perry," said CSW, Co-President, Steve Ganzell. "We wanted to honor the past and future generations of our community and I think our selection for this year's LA Pride Grand Marshal couldn't be more fitting for our 45th Anniversary," said CSW, Co-President Patti DiLuigi.

"At this historic moment -- 30 years of Cityhood and 45 years of Pride -- it is fitting that we remember the shoulders on which the movement for TLGB equality stands and to empower future generations as leaders in the fight for full equality," said West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath. "Reverend Troy Perry & Zoey, along with the cast & crew of Amazon's Transparent, represent a heroic legacy of activism and a continued commitment to advancing the rights of all people."

In 1970, a year after the modern transgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual liberation movement was launched by the rebellion at the Stonewall Inn on New York's Christopher Street, activists around the country were thinking of ways to mark the anniversary. Los Angeles TLGB community leaders, Reverend Troy Perry, Reverend Bob Humphries and Morris Kight stepped up and created the world's first permitted Pride Parade. The only remaining survivor of the three, Rev. Perry has dedicated his life to fighting inequalities with his faith-based approach of all-inclusive journey to discover a loving and caring God. As part of his mission, he founded Los Angeles' predominantly gay Metropolitan Community Church. Reverend Troy Perry was also the first openly gay person to serve on the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations and has been honored by many community organizations for his tireless work. Today he continues to celebrate the community through his countless community-based projects. Reverend Perry recently returned from Cuba where he was invited to take officiate symbolic same-sex wedding ceremonies, an initiative aimed at fighting homophobia in Cuba and its anti-LGBT legislation.

"I am so deeply honored to be named community Grand Marshal alongside Zoey at this year's 45th Christopher Street West LA Pride parade! As the last surviving founder of CSW, it is with great pride that I share this honor with a representative of tomorrow's leaders in fighting for equality. One who truly embodies the future of our struggle and represents the ideals of what our community has to offer," said Reverend Troy Perry.

At the age of 13, Zoey has already made a name for herself as a millennial who is determined to not only change people's perceptions and attitudes towards Trans* people, she is working to change legislation. At the age of 11, Zoey, her mother and ACLU fought for her right to self-identify in school. Even in the face of ignorance, bullying and teasing, Zoey has remained determined to represent her Trans* youth counterparts in gaining equality and acceptance just to be who they are.

Joining LA Pride's Grand Marshal as this year's Community Grand Marshal is the Cast & Crew of Amazon's hit TV show, "Transparent." A forward thinking program, "Transparent" focuses on a dysfunctional family learning about their father's secret, he identifies as female and her secret gets out. Golden Globe winners for 'Best Series' "Transparent" is not only a comedy-drama that touches on extremely relevant story lines, it's a production that fully supports the community it represents. With the largest number of Trans* employees to have worked on any production, "Transparent" supports the community bringing attention and real-life struggles through its dynamic storytelling as well as its efforts in vocally championing equalities for the Trans* community.

"We are humbled to be honored as the Community Grand Marshal for LA PRIDE and thrilled to celebrate the forward progress of the transgender movement. We are inspired by the courage shown by the community to live authentically and feel fortunate to be able to share their stories," said Transparent's Jeffrey Tambor.

LA Pride's Grand Marshal and Community Grand Marshal will be the centerpiece at LA Pride's annual TLGB Parade, which takes place June 14 at 11 a.m. in West Hollywood.

Parade celebrity participants will include: Pauley Paurrette, The Fosters (partial cast), with more to be announced...

Several exciting new partners participating in this year's parade will include The Walt Disney Company, Target and PepsiCo along with returning entries from the famous Wells Fargo Stagecoach, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and the winners of the Colin Higgins Youth Courage Award.

Join LA PRIDE's 3-day celebration in West Hollywood starting with its Free Friday night experiences, Lavender Menace and Trans Party LA. Continuing through the weekend, the LA Pride Music & Arts Festival will have a collection of top-notch performers, events including LA's only outdoor roller rink, youth spaces, art & culture as well as Latin parties.

For a full schedule of events and tickets, visit: www.LAPRIDE.org