‘We Need To Rally’: Deaunte Damper and Patti Hearn Talk Seattle Pride 2026 on Good Day Seattle

Grand Marshal Deaunte Damper and Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn joined Good Day Seattle yesterday to discuss the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade set for Sunday, June 28. Detailing the celebration’s “Rally” theme, Hearn and Damper discussed the call for community solidarity and action.

Hearn explained that the “Rally” concept emphasizes why people are marching. “Pride is always both a celebration and it's about joy, but it's also a protest,” she said.

Damper, whose work focuses on uplifting Black and LGBTQ+ voices, highlighted several pressing issues, including attacks on the Black and trans communities and the stripping of HIV funding, which is acutely impacting Black- and brown-led organizations.

"Now more than ever, we need to rally," Damper said, stressing the need to protect, educate, and build for all LGBTQ+ communities nationwide. Beyond protest, Damper said he is focused on creating space and bringing joy to young queer youth, sharing his plans to have students from Rainier Beach High School walk with him during the celebration.

Hearn discussed the 2026 FIFA World Cup coinciding with Pride Month, specifically mentioning the Pride match selected for June 26 at Lumen Field, which will be renamed as Seattle Stadium. She noted that while the match coincides with Pride weekend, the global platform provided by the stadium is important for raising awareness, especially given the scheduled presence of teams from countries like Egypt and Iran that do not support the LGBTQ+ community. 

Damper concluded by reiterating his excitement for the celebration. 

“Right now we're going through some serious scrutiny. They are telling us that we do not belong, but we have to remember to continue to walk with love,” he said. 

Converge Media is proud to be an official partner of 2026 Seattle Pride. 

For updates and more information on Seattle Pride 2026, visit seattlepride.org 

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