Christopher Street West is thrilled to announce ice-skating superstar and pop culture icon Johnny Weir as the Grand Marshal of the 2011 LA PRIDE parade.  Set for Sunday, June 12, 2011 in LGBT-mecca West Hollywood, California, Johnny is always the center of attention on the ice, the catwalk and on his own reality show and is a perfect fit for LA PRIDE, now in its 41st year.   

Johnny is world renowned for his talent as one of the superstars in the sport of figure skating.  A pop culture icon, fans all over the world love his elegant, edgy style and the delicious unpredictability of never knowing what he'll say, wear or do next.  

"Johnny lives a life with a defined purpose, is dedicated to helping young people and is not afraid to be himself, sometimes not always an easy thing for a world-class athlete," said Rodney Scott, Christopher Street West Board President.  "As an out professional athlete, the visibility he brings is immeasurable."  

Said Johnny, "I never think of myself as an activist in any capacity, but I am glad that people can find strength and inspiration in my triumphs and defeats."  He became more open following the recent epidemic of gay teen suicides hoping his story would help others.  Among the numerous charities he supports are The Trevor Project, Elton John AIDS Foundation and UNICEF. 

Among the highlights of the three-day LA PRIDE Festival, the LA PRIDE parade annually draws over 400,000 spectators to its route along storied Santa Monica Boulevard with up to 3-million more viewing online and on television.  Taking place June 10-12, 2011, other highlights of LA PRIDE include the historic Dyke March, inaugural Purple Party, and entertainment provided by over 75 performers including Margaret Cho, Estelle, Prince Poppycock, CeCe Peniston, Macy Gray, Sam Sparro and more.  Please visit lapride.org for more information.