(Graphics via St Pete Pride)<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride<\/a> unveiled their 2026 grand marshals June 17, five locals set to lead this year\u2019s parade June 27 in Downtown St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n \u201cThese remarkable leaders, advocates, artists, and changemakers embody the spirit of this year\u2019s theme, Here Comes the Sun<\/a>,\u201d St Pete Pride announced. \u201cThrough service, visibility, compassion, and courage, each has made a lasting impact on our community and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n The first of this year\u2019s honorees is Nadine Smith,<\/a> Equality Florida\u2019s co-founder who stepped down after 28 years in 2025<\/a> to lead the nonprofit Color of Change<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cSmith is a nationally recognized civil rights leader,\u201d St Pete Pride noted. \u201c\u2026 Her leadership helped secure marriage equality, overturn Florida\u2019s ban on gay adoption, and defend LGBTQ+ Floridians against hundreds of discriminatory bills.\u201d<\/p>\n Tampa Bay activist Adam Ryan<\/a>, a volunteer with PFLAG Safety Harbor<\/a>, TransNetwork <\/a>and other organizations, will also be recognized for his advocacy. St Pete Pride says he \u201ccombines art, advocacy, and authenticity to help create the representation and community support future generations deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI love the pure passion and pride that St. Pete has for its people,\u201d Ryan says. \u201cSt Pete Pride tries to represent both the protest and the party of the movement\u2026 I am so proud to stand as a beacon for showing up exactly as you are. I may mess up or say the wrong things sometimes, but I never stop putting myself out there to fight the good fight. I am deeply honored to stand alongside the grand marshals this year.\u201d<\/p>\n Discord Addams<\/a>, who stepped into the international spotlight on \u201cRuPaul\u2019s Drag Race\u201d<\/a> season 18 this year, was chosen for her authenticity.<\/p>\n \u201cKnown for her punk-rock style, fearless self-expression, iconic runway walk, and unforgettable stage presence, Discord continues to inspire others to embrace their individuality and live boldly,\u201d St Pete Pride noted. The grand marshal will perform throughout the weekend as well, at both South Straub June 27 and as a part of Cocktail\u2019s<\/a> entertainment lineup June 28 at the street festival:<\/p>\n Former Miss St Pete Pride Kori Stevens<\/a>, a local legend affectionately known as the First Lady of St. Pete, will be recognized for her philanthropy and community engagement. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve been at this for a very long time,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s always great to be recognized, but for me it\u2019s not a necessity. I consider it an honor and a pleasure to serve this amazing community!\u201d<\/p>\n Stevens, who recently underwent surgery<\/a>, says that while she won\u2019t be able to attend this year\u2019s celebration \u201cI will absolutely be with you all in spirit! Much love and respect to you all!\u201d<\/p>\n Rounding out the list is Dr. Bob Wallace<\/a>, founder of St. Petersburg clinic Love the Golden Rule<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cWith 50 years of being a member of this gay community, I am proud to claim St. Petersburg as my home,\u201d he notes. \u201c\u2026 This is truly an honor, and I have to admit it has been a dream of mine over the years to have the opportunity to represent such an incredible community on such an incredible day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease join us in celebrating these incredible Grand Marshals as they help lead Florida\u2019s largest Pride celebration on Saturday, June 27,\u201d St Pete Pride noted. Read more about the grand marshals below:<\/p>\n For more information about St Pete Pride 2026,\u00a0read the official St Pete Pride Guide<\/a> \u2014 available digitally at the link and at all official events in print \u2014 and pick up our St Pete Pride issue<\/a> June 18-July 1.<\/p>\n Sign up for the Watermark Out News eNewsletter<\/a> and follow us for more: \t
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