How The First Female U.S. Navy Seal Was Named National Grand Marshal Of Pride Parade
A retired U.S. Navy Seal has been chosen as National Grand Marshal of the Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade.
Recognized as the National Grand Marshal is Kristin Beck, who was born Christopher Beck. She is the first known female.
(Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs Pride.)
Beck distinguished herself in 20 years of exceptionally meritorious service with Special Operations Forces (SOF) in the U.S. Navy SEAL teams before retiring in 2011 and after taking part in thirteen deployments, including seven combat deployments. She was a member of the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU), a special counter-terrorism unit SEAL Team Six, and received multiple military awards and decorations, including a Bronze Star with a “V” for valor, a Purple Heart and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
“We are proud to work with the Transgender Community Coalition to honor Kristin Beck who is a
nationally recognized advocate for equality for all people,” said said Ron deHarte, president of Greater Palm Springs Pride in a news release. “Beck’s participation allows us to honor her service and help raise the visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming people, and address the issues the community faces.”
Recognized as Community Grand Marshal is Palm Springs’ very own singer-entertainer and restaurateur
Michael Holmes. Known as owner of Michael Holmes’ Purple Room, the leader of The Michael Holmes
Trio, and the creator and star of The Judy Show! Michael is recognized for his generosity in supporting
the local community. From entertaining to hosting a wide variety of charity benefits, Michael Holmes
makes a positive and lasting impact on Palm Springs.
(Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs Pride)
Holmes also participates in the local community fulfilling a personal goal to give back. Generous with his time and not shy at the microphone. He hosts a wide variety of charity benefits, for diverse charities, including the American Cancer Society, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, The LGBT Center of the Desert, Dezart Productions, the Gay Men’s Chorus, David Green’s Musical Theatre University, Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival, and Dine Out For Life. A local businessman and community leader with a big heart.
(Photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs Pride)
Fitness expert Craig Ramsay and celebrity hairstylist Brandon Liberati who shared their first year of
marriage with the world on the Bravo show “Newlyweds: The First Year,” have been named Celebrity
Grand Marshals of the 2017 Palm Springs Pride Parade.
