Stonewall Columbus Pride announced this week that retired Columbus Fire Captain Lana Moore has been named the grand marshal of Columbus Pride. Moore, an openly transgender 35 year veteran firefighter of the Columbus Division of Fire, serves on GLAAD’s board of directors. Moore said,

“I am deeply honored and humbled by such an incredible opportunity to represent, not only my trans brothers and sisters, but the entire community of LGBTQ people, and of course my “GLAAD Family.” 

Such an enormous responsibility. Considering the current political climate of anti-LGBT legislation which is sweeping America, now more than ever, positive visibility is so essential. Our LGBTQ youth need to know that they have allies from all walks of life who have their backs!”

In 2011, she served as Chairperson of her Church Board of Trustees and also the Senior Pastoral Committee at North Congregational United Church of Christ. The first trans person to hold those positions.

Currently, she volunteers for Franklin County’s “Catch Court” as a mentor for women who are survivors of human trafficking. Moore is a parent of two grown children, and currently resides in Westerville, OH.

Deeply honored and humbled by such an incredible opportunity to represent #GirlsLikeUs #LGBTQ #CbusPride #Columbust.co/rvlh24jGg7

— Lana Moore (@LanaMMoore) April 18, 2016

The Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade will be held on Saturday, June 18^th.