Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi Announced As Grand Marshals For New York Pride
Heritage of Pride, the organizers of NYC Pride, have announced the grand marshals for this year’s March: English actors Sir Derek Jacobi and Sir Ian McKellen, who co-star in the brilliant UK sitcom Vicious, will lead the annual procession, held at noon on Sunday, June 28.
McKellen is one of the most celebrated actors today, known for iconic roles in X-Men, Lord of the Rings, and the upcoming Mr. Holmes. PBS series Vicious. Jacobi is primarily known for his stage work, as well as films like Gladiator and The King's Speech.
Joining the longtime friends and colleagues as grand marshals are Christopher Neal, a New York artist and leader of the advocacy group FluidBiDesign, and Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, considered the mother of the Ugandan LGBT rights movement.
The theme of this year's pride is “Complete The Dream.”
“In a year where Americans look to the decisions of our highest court, it’s especially important NYC Pride point a light to worldwide issues reaching far beyond marriage equality,” said March Director David Studinski. “Our marshals demonstrate advocacy on drastically different stages, but all with the same goal in mind. No matter where they work their words, they give voice to the ongoing narrative of our civil rights battle.”
The NYC Pride March, the largest in the United States, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, widely known as the birthplace of the LGBT equality movement. Some two million people are expected to participate and view the march.
