For Seattle community leader Deaunte Damper, being named a grand marshal for the 2026 Seattle Pride Parade is more than an honor. It is a reflection of years of work at the intersection of Black identity, public health and LGBTQ advocacy.
Seattle Pride organizers recently announced Damper as one of this year’s grand marshals alongside the 2026 theme, “Rally,” a call for unity, visibility and collective action at a time many say presents growing challenges for LGBTQIA2S+ communities.
A lifelong Seattle resident, Damper has built a reputation as a visible and trusted voice in the community. Damper’s work spans HIV advocacy, public health education and leadership in both Black and LGBTQ spaces. Damper was named the first LGBTQ chair of the NAACP in 2019, a historic milestone for the organization, and has continued to push for more inclusive policies and representation.
Damper’s advocacy is also deeply personal. Diagnosed with HIV in 2013, Damper has used this platform to challenge stigma, promote education and ensure that Black and brown communities have access to care and resources.
“I’m deeply honored to serve as a grand marshal for Seattle Pride 2026,” Damper said. “To me, ‘Rally’ is about more than gathering. It’s about showing up with purpose, with urgency, and with love for one another.”
Over the years, Damper has worked with organizations such as People of Color Against AIDS Network, helping individuals navigate health disparities, housing challenges and reentry after incarceration. Damper also founded B.R.O.T.H.A., a support group focused on healing and awareness for Black men navigating trauma and health inequities.
Damper’s leadership extends into broader social justice work, including serving as incoming board chair of Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County and contributing to statewide advocacy efforts focused on equity and policy change.
“In a time when our communities are facing real challenges, we have to stand together, uplift each other, and keep pushing for justice and visibility,” said Damper. “Pride has always been both protest and celebration, and I’m proud to help lead that call to action this year.”
Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn said this year’s theme reflects the urgency of the moment.
“It’s what happens when we come together for a common goal,” said Hearn. “That’s the energy we need to bring to 2026.”
Alongside Damper, the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Seattle Torrent has also been named a grand marshal, recognized for its commitment to inclusion and visibility in sports.
The Seattle Pride Parade will take place Sunday, June 28, along Fourth Avenue in downtown Seattle, beginning at 11 a.m. The annual event commemorates the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and remains one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country.
For Damper, the recognition reflects a broader commitment to community and visibility.
“This is about showing people that they are seen, that they matter, and that they belong,” said Damper.
