Grand Marshal Reception
Announcing our 2024 Grand Marshal, Carley Knox. Carley’s continued dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community has not gone unnoticed. Her leadership and mission to ensure that the MN Lynx’s organization is elevating and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities is unwavering.
She stands up and speaks out—no matter the circumstances—ensuring that we are always welcome in the home of the Lynx. But more than just her work with the Lynx organization, she has personally always been a strong voice and shown up each and every time she is needed.
Because of her amazing support and advocacy Twin Cities Pride has made her the 2024 Twin Cities Pride Grand Marshal.
Photo Credit: Lauren Cutshall
Our 2024 Allies of the Year are Jon and Jessica Merrill. Their unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community is a shining example for all allies to follow. They have shown up in numerous ways, including securing tickets to ensure queer youth can attend the Wild Pride Night and arranging meet-and-greets afterward. They have donated generously to Rainbow Wardrobe, with Jon also donating his time to referee TCQHA games. They have even volunteered at the festival, calling bingo, covering participation costs for others, and helping with cleanup afterward. Jon and Jessica embody the true spirit of allyship by advocating for the community in spaces where LGBTQ+ voices are often unheard.
Our 2024 Queer Org of the Year is Transforming Families! Their small but mighty team works tirelessly to provide a safe space where transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth and their families come together to support each other in a safe, welcoming space. We’re inspired by their resilience in the face of adversity, as they persistently champion inclusivity and understanding. Transforming Families’ commitment to community and the creation of welcoming environments deserves not just recognition, but celebration.
We’re beyond excited to announce our 2024 LGBTQ+ BIPOC Leader of the Year, Zaylore Stout!
The work and resources Zaylore has provided for our community cannot go unrecognized. He is a leader, an educator, an author, and an influential individual within our community.
Zaylore provides an accessible and educational resource for community members to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and victories within queer history through his book Our Gay History in 50 States, which tells the uncensored and true history of LGBTQIA+ trailblazers, artists, and individuals state by state. Zaylore has also created a space for queer BIPOC individuals to share their stories and perspectives so that other community members are able to hear about the struggles and victories within the BIPOC community. Through his seminar, “How Woke Are You?” Zaylore highlights the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community and how it intersects with different races and cultures. Being able to enter predominantly white queer spaces, provide individuals with insight on these different perspectives, and ask important questions about race and gender takes the qualities and passion of a true influential leader, educator, and trailblazer. Zaylore’s work in creating a stronger future generation and challenging systemic oppression is work that deserves to be highlighted repeatedly.
