Atlanta Pride is proud to announce the 2025 slate of Grand Marshals, an inclusive group of individuals and organizations whose work exemplifies this year’s theme, “Rooted in Resistance.” These honorees represent bold activism, cultural preservation, and unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ+ community in Atlanta and beyond.
“Our Grand Marshals showcase the incredible range of work being done across our community, from preserving our past to shaping a more just and inclusive future,” said Chris McCain, Executive Director of Atlanta Pride. “Each of them is a reminder that Pride is not only a celebration, but a call to action. They embody the strength, brilliance, and resistance that have always defined our movement, and we are proud to honor their contributions on one of the biggest stages in the Southeast.”
The 2025 Grand Marshals are:
A collective of archivists, librarians, and volunteers dedicated to preserving Georgia’s LGBTQ+ past. Through advocacy, education, and personal archiving, the project ensures that the stories and materials of queer Georgians are saved for future generations.
This vital program connects LGBTQ+ history to present-day advocacy through educational initiatives, civic engagement, and social programming with a particular focus on the U.S. South. In 2025, the Institute celebrates its tenth anniversary.
Founded in 1990 during the height of the AIDS crisis, PALS has provided pet food and veterinary care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other challenges. The organization has hosted the country’s longest-running drag bingo event for 28 years. This year, the organization celebrates thirty-five years of service.
Jere Chang
(She / Her)
A beloved Atlanta-based educator and content creator with nearly 4 million followers, Jere uses humor and honesty to inspire inclusive teaching practices. She is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ equity in education and is reshaping classrooms to center belonging and compassion.
Shannon Bradley May
(He / Him)
Known to many as Sha Sha Sugarbaker, Shannon has been a passionate HIV/AIDS advocate for nearly 30 years through his work with AID Atlanta and the Starlings fundraising collective. His grassroots efforts and drag performances bring joy, awareness, and action to the fight against HIV.
Dr. Christy Perez
(She / Ella)
Dr. Christy Perez is an Afro-Latina trans theologian, historian, and abolitionist whose advocacy and writing are grounded in healing and transformative justice. She serves as Chief Administrative Officer at Poder Unides and supports trans and justice-impacted communities across Atlanta.
Richard Ramey
(He / Him)
Owner of the Atlanta Eagle and The Flower Cottage, Richard has spent decades building community and safe spaces for Atlanta’s LGBTQIA+ population. He is also the founder of Drag Down South and a tireless advocate for queer visibility and empowerment.
Lena Lust
[Lester West]
(She / Her) | (He / Him)
The drag persona of Lester West, Lena is a legendary performer whose career has spanned nearly five decades. A fixture of Atlanta’s queer nightlife since 1977, Lena continues to perform today and is celebrated as a community elder, HIV-positive activist, and drag mother.
Raquel Willis
(She / Her)
An award-winning author and activist, Raquel is a national leader in the movement for Black trans liberation. She is the author of The Risk It Takes to Bloom and serves as executive producer for iHeartMedia’s Outspoken podcast network. Raquel was named to the 2025 TIME100 and previously served as a Grand Marshal for NYC Pride.
Russ Youngblood
(He / Him)
A longtime community photographer and journalist, Russ has documented Atlanta’s LGBTQ+ life since the 1990s. His upcoming book, What I Saw, is a visual love letter to queer resilience and joy in the South.
