Marriage equality leader Edith Windsor to lead New York City Pride

Edith Windsor, the widow challenging the Defense of Marriage Act before the U.S. Supreme Court, will serve as a grand marshal of the 44th annual New York City LGBT Pride Parade.

She’ll lead the event, one of the largest gay events in the country, with two other grand marshal – Harry Belafonte and Earl Fowlkes.

Belafonte has been a longtime advocate for equality, as has Fowlkes, who is the president and CEO of the Center for Black Equity.

Chris Frederick of NYC Pride said in a news release, “We believe this year will be historic. LGBT rights are expanding across the country and these individuals embody the soul of a movement far from over. They are tirelessly fighting for all of us. They are the great waves in a sea of hope: Edith’s never-ending battle for marriage equality, Harry’s unending fight for human rights, Earl’s focused leadership and selfless spirit. So with great pride, we congratulate them and honor them for their unwavering dedication to the idea of a more just and verdant future for all peoples.”

NYC Pride march director Mike Dunlap added, “This year’s grand marshals have enriched the LGBT community through their dedication, accomplishments and commitment to the LGBT civil rights movement. By recognizing Edith Windsor’s historic court case, Harry Belafonte’s trailblazing activism and Earl Fowlkes’ outstanding LGBT leadership, we hope to inspire further action in attaining worldwide equality.”

The grand marshals will lead the parade from Midtown along Fifth Avenue to the West Village along Christopher Street.

The parade takes place June 30.

The Supreme Court is expected to release its decision in the Proposition 8 and DOMA cases at about that time.

On the Web…

http://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/edie-windsor-and-aclu-challenge-defense-marriage-act