Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn and Grand Marshal Deaunte Damper appeared on Good Day Seattle yesterday to discuss the upcoming 2026 Seattle Pride Parade. On the celebration’s “Rally” theme, Hearn and Damper discussed the dual nature of Pride as both a joyful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a necessary protest for civil rights and visibility.

Damper, who will lead the parade alongside the Seattle Torrent women’s hockey team, highlighted the urgent need for solidarity, particularly in the face of attacks on Black and trans people and the reduction of HIV funding. Damper’s mission is to protect and educate Seattle’s youth, sharing his plans to have students from Rainier Beach High School march alongside him. 

Hearn also addressed the unique intersection of Pride 2026 with the FIFA World Cup. She noted that the global sporting event provides a critical platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly as the city hosts teams from nations where such identities remain marginalized or criminalized.

“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,” Damper 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