Talent Grand Marshal ORLANDO GAY CHORUS OGC shows their true colors as a Central Florida institution JEREMY WILLIAMS When your theme is about dancing, singing and having a good time, there is no more obvious choice for the Talent Grand Marshal than the amazingly talented Orlando Gay Chorus. OGC is one of the largest mixed LGBTQ choirs in the United States; made up of all ages, races, genders and orientations. They have been entertaining Central Florida in the face of adversity for more than 25 years. OGC was never challenged more than on June 12, 2016 after the horrifi c events at Pulse. The LGBTQ community turned to certain Central Florida institutions in those darkest of days. When vigils or memorials were being planned, OGC was asked to appear and lift the community in song. Their rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” became synonymous with healing and love in Orlando in the months that followed. Now, as the 2017 Talent Grand Marshal, OGC is ready to bring music, dance and love to the Come Out With Pride parade. Honorary Grand Marshal BILLY MANES Billy Manes was a voice for the community when they needed it the most TONY MAUSS Billy Manes was a singularity. Singularity has many defi nitions, and Billy Manes encapsulates all of them. He believed in you – in your ability to lead with love, to embrace compassion, to challenge yourself and others daily. He believed in the power of community. He knew one must be an active part of a community that promotes openness, fairness and access. We have lost a great leader in our community. There’s an emptiness that his presence, his voice, his love has left, but he showed us how. He gave us the tools to fi ll that emptiness, and we must raise our voices for equality, for justice, for love. Lift your chin, fi ll that emptiness with love; lift your voices and SING. His work is our work now. Viva Billy Manes. Viva Orlando. Viva Pride! 30 COME OUT WITH PRIDE 2017
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