Xavier - Falls Church, Virginia. 2010

Christopher Street West is incredibly honored to announce that our heroic LGBT members serving in silence in the United States Armed Services have been chosen as the Community Grand Marshal of the 2011 LA PRIDE parade, taking place Sunday, June 12, 2011 in LGBT-mecca West Hollywood, California.  Because those serving our country still cannot come out, in the military tradition of the riderless horse, the Community Grand Marshal vehicle will be empty.

"With Don't Ask Don't Tell still the law of the land, hundreds of thousands of brave LGBT active duty, reserve and National Guard service members are unable to serve openly," said Tom Carpenter, former Marine Captain and Board Member of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.  "At the start of this Memorial Day weekend, when we strive to remember the sacrifices of all who have served our Country, it is vital that we remember those forced to serve in silence too."

With support from acclaimed photographer Jeff Sheng and the Kaycee Olsen Gallery, our brave LGBT service men and service women will be represented by photos taken from Sheng's arresting "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" collection.  These stunning photographs feature men and women currently on active duty in the U.S. military with their faces mostly hidden.  

Now in its 41st year, among the highlights of the three-day LA PRIDE festival is the LA PRIDE Parade.  This annually draws over 400,000 spectators to its route along iconic 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, the first-ever Purple Party for Women and the inaugural declaration of Los Angeles LGBT Heritage Month by LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.  Please visit lapride.org for more information.