Another day, another QNY world exclusive. Last week, I had the pleasure of announcing that Dan Choi would be one of our 2010 HOP march grand marshals. Today, I am very happy to report the name of another 2010 grand marshal. NYC LGBT Pride (aka HOP) will announce Tuesday, February 16th 2010, that Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard, has accepted the honor and role of Grand Marshal for the 41st Annual LGBT Pride March, which will occur on June 27th, 2010. When first approached about the request to be the NYC Grand Marshal, Ms. Shepard responded with excitement and a sense of honor. Ms. Shepard’s selection and acceptance of the honor of NYC LGBT Pride Grand Marshal marks her 3rd official and final appearance as an LGBT pride march Grand Marshal.In October 1998, Judy and Dennis Shepard lost their 21 year-old son, Matthew, to a murder motivated by anti-gay hate. Matthew’s death moved many thousands of people around the world to attend vigils and rallies in his memory. Determined to prevent others from suffering their son’s fate, Judy and Dennis decided to turn their grief into action and established the Matthew Shepard Foundation to carry on Matthew’s legacy. The Foundation is dedicated to working toward the causes championed by Matthew during his life: social justice, diversity awareness, education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.
More, and the Heritage of Pride press release, after the jump.
