EMMY AWARD WINNER LESLIE JORDAN TO BE A GRAND MARSHAL OF CAPITAL PRIDE PARADE PRESENTED BY MARRIOTT REWARDS

“Make Magic Happen” Themed Parade to Take Place June 11 at 4:30 PM

Washington, D.C., March 31, 2016 – Emmy Award-winning actor, playwright, and activist, Leslie Jordan, will be one of the Grand Marshals of the 2016 Capital Pride Parade, presented by Marriott Rewards. The Parade will be held on Saturday, June 11, beginning at 4:30 PM in the Dupont and Logan Circle neighborhoods. Mr. Jordan is also scheduled to attend the “Crack of Noon” Pride Brunch at 12:00 noon earlier that day. Brunch tickets sell out quickly and go on sale today.

Mr. Jordan is best known for his Emmy-winning role on Will & Grace, as well as his role in Sordid Lives, the film and the series, among many others. In addition, he also has a long history of LGBTA activism. His volunteer work goes back to the early days of the AIDS crisis, where he helped with AIDS Project Los Angeles, and a regional food delivery program.

“I’ve seen a great deal of pain, and I’ve seen a great deal of progress. The desire to celebrate is inherent, and for me to be a Grand Marshal in the nation’s capital for Pride moves me greatly,” said Jordan.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Leslie Jordan serve as one of this year’s Parade Grand Marshals,” said Ryan Bos, Executive Director of the Capital Pride Alliance. “His tremendous talent as both a writer and actor is equaled only by his energy, commitment, and ability to make people laugh.”

“This year’s theme, ‘Make Magic Happen,’ speaks to the power we have as a community to effect change that strengthens the LBGTA movement locally, regionally, and nationally,” said Bernie Delia, President of the Capital Pride Alliance Board. “The desire to be a part of this change is a spark that inspires us to avidly pursue equality at every level and work to preserve the victories that we have secured.”

“With the addition of Leslie Jordan as a Grand Marshal, and with the theme representing victory over adversity, the Parade is now even more of a must-see event. The community here in the national capital region is always extremely creative when it comes to the Pride theme, so we look forward to seeing how they will Make Magic Happen,” said Bos.

In addition to the brunch, Jordan will perform at Studio Theater on Friday, June 10, at an event presented by the Washington Blade. He will also appear at Team DC’s National’s Night OUT on Tuesday, June 14, following the weekend celebration.

For a third year in a row, the Capital Pride Parade is being presented by Marriott Rewards. “Marriott is thrilled to join with Capital Pride and to roll out the red carpet again for the entire LGBT community, and our families and friends. As a global hospitality leader, and a proud hometown citizen, we are dedicated to equality and fairness, inside and out of Washington, D.C.,” said Stacey Milne, Vice President, Portfolio Marketing Strategy + Planning.

The annual Capital Pride Parade draws 150,000 spectators, travels 1.5 miles through segments of the city important to the LGBT community, and this year will include more than 180 contingents. The Parade’s diverse community participation is reflected in the equally diverse sponsorships and partnerships. Among the more than 65 Pride Sponsors, is a full range from local community groups and organizations, to national and international corporations, from Whitman-Walker Health and the Human Rights Campaign, to Marriott, Microsoft, and Wells Fargo.

For more information on the Capital Pride Parade and the complete schedule of events during the 2016 Celebration of Pride In The Nation’s Capital presented by Hilton, visit the Capital Pride website at capitalpride.org, or contact Peter Morgan at (202) 719-5304, Ext. 703.

ABOUT MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL

Marriott International, honored for its commitment to LGBT rights and marriage equality, and a champion of diversity and inclusion, is headquartered here in our Nation’s Capital. This season’s momentous parade will celebrate #LoveTravels – a universal movement fostered by Marriott that welcomes and encourages all of us to pursue our personal passions. Our award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, has nearly 55 million members. In addition to earning and redeeming points worldwide at 17 distinct brands, including over 4,000 Marriott International properties and those of our exclusive luxury partner, The Ritz-Carlton®, members can access unique experiences that empower them to pursue their passions beyond the hotel stay. Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, merchandise and more.

ABOUT CAPITAL PRIDE ALLIANCE

The Capital Pride Alliance, located in Washington, DC, is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTA community and our allies through educational events, entertainment, community outreach, and celebrations of diversity, including the annual Pride Parade and Street Festival in our Nation’s Capital. The Capital Pride Alliance produces one of the largest Pride Celebrations in North America with more than 350,000 attendees in 2015. As the LGBTA Pride Celebration representing the Nation’s Capital, we strive to be a beacon of hope and solidarity for cities and communities around the country and the world. Look for us on Facebook (facebook.com/CapitalPrideDC), Twitter (twitter.com/CapitalPrideDC), YouTube, and Instagram (instagram.com/CapitalPrideDC).