From www.ntouchaz.com

Pride Announces Community Grand Marshals

Posted in: Special Feature, Local

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Jan 17, 2012 - 3:47:44 PM

PHOENIX - Based on the numerous community nominations we received, the Pride committee has selected two Community Grand Marshals to highlight at the 2012 Phoenix Pride Parade to be held on April 21st at 11am. We are proud to present Rich Zavala, also known as Miss Afeelya

Bunz, and Jaime Henderson-Mays, former Pride Parade Director, with the honor of being your 2012 Community Grand Marshals.

Rich Zavala, as his fabulous alter-ego Afeelya Bunz, has entertained audiences for years. Having been a former Miss Phoenix Pride 2008, Afeelya Bunz has spent countless hours dedicating her performances to benefit the organizations that serve our metro-Phoenix LGBTQ community. This year is a new step for Rich, as he bid farewell to Afeelya Bunz and retired her fabulous heels.

Jaime Henderson-Mays has dedicated years as Phoenix Pride Parade Director, and was chair for many years. Jaime has helped bring the Phoenix

Pride Parade to new heights as a community celebration for the LGBTQ community, our allies, and our families. Having retired from the Parade Committee, Jaime has still stayed involved managing the Parade's Grand Marshals, politicos, and celebrities that have been in the Parade for the past two years.

It is our privilege to honor these two distinct individuals for their dedication tos. Having retired from the Parade Committee, Jaime has still stayed involved man our community.

Youth Leader Grand Marshal Announced
This year commemorates the selection of the 2nd Annual Celebrity and Youth Grand Marshals. These new categories were introduced in 2011. The categories are now permanent adoptions to the yearly Pride Parade celebration.

The Phoenix Pride Youth Leader Grand Marshal is 14 year old Max Jannsen. Max was nominated because of his courage in coming out to his friends, school, and family as transgender. In the face of such a bold announcement, Max has stood strong and has grown in a deeper relationship with his family and friends. He has also worked to make his school a more acceptable and affirming place for all students.

Celebrity Grand Marshal Announced
This year, the Phoenix Pride Committee is proud to present radio personality Beth MacDonald with the honor of being our Phoenix Pride Celebrity Grand Marshal.

Beth MacDonald has been a longtime friend and ally of the LGBTQ community. Throughout the years, Beth has participated with various community events, helping to raise awareness and money for local organizations. She has been a host and MC at LGBTQ events, and even did a great interview with our Celebrity Grand Marshal last year Linda Carter.