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NORFOLK – Grace Bonney, founder of Design*Sponge, has been named Grand Marshal of PrideFest 2017 by the Hampton Roads Pride Board of Directors. PrideFest 2017 is presented by The City of Norfolk, Decorum Furniture, Newport News Shipbuilding, and WHRO.
Design*Sponge, founded in 2004 and updated 3 to 4 times per day, is a daily website dedicated to the creative community. Design*Sponge was declared a “Martha Stewart Living for the Millennials” by the New York Times and the “Top Home Influencer of 2017” by Forbes Magazine. Design*Sponge attracts a diverse group of devoted readers across the globe and currently reaches over 2 million readers per day.
Grace has been a featured guest on Good Morning America, The Nate Berkus Show, The Martha Stewart Show, NBC’s The Chew, Martha Stewart Radio Show, and American Public Radio and has been a keynote speaker with a wide variety of organizations ranging from design schools and trade organizations to design guilds and national corporations, like Target, Ann Taylor, BlogHer, Blogtacular, IDS, IDSA and Weapons of Mass Creation.
Grace has published two best-selling books. Design*Sponge at Home was published in 2009 and has over 120,000 copies in print. In the Company of Women, published in 2016, is now a New York Times Best Seller and has over 100k copies in print.
Grace Bonney was raised in Virginia Beach and graduated from First Colonial High School and The College of William and Mary. After 12 years in Brooklyn, Grace now lives in the Hudson Valley with her wife, Julia, and their three pets.
As PrideFest 2017 Grand Marshal, Grace will lead a dialogue, panel conversation, and book signing at the Chrysler Museum of Art on Thursday, June 15 focused on women, entrepreneurship, and design. She will lead Hampton Roads Pride’s annual Pride Boat Parade with an escort from the United States Coast Guard and introduce PrideFest headliners Village People at PrideFest on June 17 at Town Point Park.
Grace Bonney: “I’m so proud to return to my hometown of Virginia Beach to celebrate the wonderfully diverse, creative and talented members of the LGBTQ community and all they’ve contributed- and continue to contribute- to our area. The LGBTQ community is a vibrant and growing part of our larger Hampton Roads community and I’m so honored to be a member and to be leading this year’s festival.”
Michael Berlucchi, president, Hampton Roads Pride: “We’re excited to welcome Grace Bonney back to Hampton Roads as our PrideFest 2017 Grand Marshal. Grace’s life and career are an inspiration to many – she is a successful businessperson who relentlessly pursues her passion for creativity and design. Grace uses her considerable voice and platform to inspire and empower a global audience that includes men and women of all cultures and members of the LGBT community. We are proud of Grace’s many accomplishments and look forward to seeing her and her wife Julia during Pride Week.”
PrideFest APPEARANCES:
Third Thursday: Chrysler Pride
Thursday, June 15
5pm-10pm
Chrysler Museum of Art
1 Memorial Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Kick off a weekend of PrideFest activities starting with the Chrysler Museum. Dance the night away surrounded by your favorite works of art. Start the night at 6:30 p.m. with a panel talk by Grace Bonney, author of Design*Sponge at Home and In the Company of Women. Book signing will immediately follow the talk.
Enjoy pumping music, live dancers, and tours of the galleries. Get hands-on with our Make & Take area or stop by the cash bar for a special LGBTini. A night you won’t forget!
Free for members of The Chrysler Museum of Art and Hampton Roads Pride.
6th Annual Pride Block Party
“Under The Big Top”
Friday, June 16
7pm-Midnight
Norfolk Scope Arena
A unique celebration of Pride featuring a night of celebrating, dancing, performers, games, and circus fun. Join us!
PrideFest 2017
Saturday, June 17
Noon-7pm
Town Point Park
Norfolk, VA 23510
City of Norfolk Government, Decorum Furniture, Newport News Shipbuilding, & WHRO Present: PrideFest 2017
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL
Featuring Headliners:
**VILLAGE PEOPLE**
**MARTHA WASH**
The nation’s only Pride Boat Parade
The Pride Silent Disco
Hampton Roads Pride Mass Choir
Local LGBT History and Walking Tour
Expanded Family Fun & Games
NAMES Project Foundation AIDS Memorial Quilt
Chrysler Museum of Art Mobile Glass Studio
Virginia Aquarium Touch Tank
Pride Caricatures
All-New ClubPridefest!
And much more!
PrideFest is the largest annual LGBT festival in Virginia.
PrideFest combines entertainment, vendors, and fun activities for all ages. PrideFest attracts thousands of visitors and brings together local residents, families, community leaders, civic organizations, and businesses to unite the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and allied communities in support of inclusion, dignity and equality of all people.
The Downtown Norfolk Council (DNC), a proud sponsor of Hampton Roads PrideFest 2016, has reached out to businesses in Downtown Norfolk to get them engaged in PrideFest. These businesses have pledged their support for Hampton Roads Pride and will be running specials and showing their support for the LGBT community in Hampton Roads and around the world. Please support the businesses that support you!
Hampton Roads Pride’s President, Michael Berlucchi, today released a statement about the security for PrideFest this weekend in the wake of Sunday’s mass shooting in Orlando:
The tragic events at Pulse nightclub in Orlando remind us that our community’s efforts to advance justice and equality are as important now as they ever have been. Hampton Roads Pride is committed to successfully executing PrideFest 2016, even in the face of hate and terror.
Our plans for the Fifth Annual Pride Block Party and PrideFest 2016 go forward. Our community will demonstrate its solidarity with the LGBT community and its commitment to the values we cherish by celebrating together on June 17th & 18th
There has always been a robust, comprehensive security strategy for our PrideFest events. As a result of the heartbreaking events in Orlando, Hampton Roads Pride is working closely with the Norfolk Police Department as well as state and federal agencies to support the safety of our events.
Fifth Annual Pride Block Party
Friday, June 17
Norfolk Scope Arena
7pm-Midnight
PrideFest 2016
Saturday, June 18
Town Point Park
Noon-7pm
Hampton Roads Pride welcomes the LGBT community, its supporters and all of Hampton Roads and beyond to the 2016 PrideFest June 18 in downtown Norfolk.
The popular festival, with its “Love Unites” theme, will host two international headliners, pop sensation Betty Who and country singer Billy Gilman. Military music, family fun and LGBTQ history activities, the nation’s only Pride Boat Parade and other events will fill the day in Norfolk’s Town Point Park.
“PrideFest 2016 is shaping up to be the largest and most impactful LGBT community event Hampton Roads has ever seen,” said Michael Berlucchi, president of Hampton Roads Pride. “The festival and surrounding events are meant to raise visibility around our region’s LGBT and allied communities. It also gives us a chance to celebrate what makes us special and unique.”
Pride Week begins June 11 with a week of related activities (see schedule below) that includes a glass-blowing demonstration, gallery talk, interfaith service, and two social networking events. The weekend kicks off with the huge Fifth Annual Pride Block Party June 17 in Norfolk Scope Arena.
Now in its 28th year, PrideFest joins other LGBT festivals taking place during June, which is Pride Month, and is Norfolk’s largest one-day festival. Popular club performer Mercedes Douglas is this year’s Grand Marshal, and the Pride Stage emcees will be headed up by WTKR News Anchor Blaine Stewart. Among the honorary guests attending will be state senators and representatives, Hampton Roads mayors and council members.
Joining the flotilla of flag-draped boats in the Pride Boat Parade that begins the day will be the American Rover and a U.S. Coast Guard vessel. The festival will feature appearances and performances by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, U.S. Army TRADOC Band’s “Shore Groove” rock band, Hampton Roads Pride Mass Choir, Teens with a Purpose, Miss Models Inc., Virginia Opera and Todd Rosenlieb Dance. Club Stage will showcase local DJs and club performers throughout the day.
A family fun area will offer acrobats, face-painting and the Silent Disco, where listeners can tap into three different music tracks on multiple headsets. Pieces of the AIDS quilt will be on display, and the Hampton Roads Pride area will offer a local history tour. American Sign Language interpreters will be on hand for Pride Stage events.
This year, PrideFest will award three student scholarships, one named in honor of slain Bangladeshi activist Xulhaz Mannan.
“Across the country, LGBT people are experiencing unprecedented social and political successes,” said Berlucchi. “Despite the tremendous progress we’ve made, we also know that we have a long way to go before we achieve full equality. PrideFest organizes our community in an effort to advance that goal.”
2016 PrideFest principal sponsors include Decorum Furniture, Newport News Shipbuilding and WHRO with additional main support from Distinctive Event Rentals, Visit Norfolk and others.
More information is available online at www.hamptonroadspride.org.
For press inquiries, contact David Nicholson at media@hamptonroadspride.org.
The performers
Betty Who ‘s high-energy dance style and poignant lyrics have made the Australian-born singer a favorite among the LGBT community. She’ll perform “Somebody Loves You” and other songs from her RCA Records release, “Take Me When You Go.”
Billy Gilman had a million-selling album at age 12, making him the youngest singer to have a Top 40 hit on the country music charts. Now in his late 20s, Gilman made headlines two years ago when he announced he was gay in an emotional YouTube video.
Pride Week schedule
Saturday, June 11
Fired Up! For PrideFest. Noon. Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, 745 Duke St., Norfolk. Pride-themed glass-blowing demonstration. Free.
Special Gallery Talk: LGBT. 2 p.m. Chrysler Museum of Art, One Memorial Place, Norfolk. Join Chief Curator Emeritus Jeff Harrison for a tour of LGBT-themed art in the museum collection. Free.
Tuesday, June 14
Interfaith Celebration. 7 p.m. Temple Ohef Sholom, 530 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk. Sponsored by the LGBTQSI Inter-Faith Group. Free.
Wednesday, June 15
Party on the Peninsula. 5 to 7 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel, 700 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton. This rain or shine event features a live band. Free.
Thursday, June 16
The Dandy Shandy. 6 p.m. O’Connor Brewing Co., 211 W. 24th St., Norfolk. Sponsored with the Hampton Roads Business OUTReach networking group, the evening will feature a signature Pride brew, 8 p.m. drag show, food trucks and more. Free.
Friday, June 17
Pride Block Party. 7 p.m. to midnight. Norfolk Scope Arena. 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk. Featuring DJ Tezrah, craft cocktails and more. Open to all (age 21 and up to drink). $10 donation at the door.
Saturday, June 18
PrideFest. Noon to 7 p.m. Town Point Park, downtown Norfolk. Featuring musical performances by Betty Who, Billy Gilman and others. Plus Pride Boat Parade, Club Stage with local DJs and club performers, Family Fun area, and Hampton Roads’ LGBT History Exhibit. Free.
Sunday, June 19
“Drag Yourself to the Beach.” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Croc’s 19th Street Bistro. 620 19th St., Virginia Beach. Sunday Drag Brunch. Reservations needed, 757-428-5444 or online at www.dragyourselftobrunch.com.
5200 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23508
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www.HamptonRoadsPride.org
Media Contact: Danny Epperson, 757-889-9101, danny@hamptonroadspride.org
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HAMPTON ROADS PRIDE Presents PRIDEFEST 2015 – June 26-27, 2015
Grand Marshal, Thomas Roberts of MSNBC & Music Headliner, En Vogue
Hampton Roads Pride, Hampton Roads Proud
On the verge of a major decision on Marriage Equality in the United States, this celebration offers stunning visuals and colorful interviews for the media with the local LGBT community & its supporters.
June 16, 2015, Norfolk, Virginia — Hampton Roads Pride (HRP) is proud to announce PrideFest 2015 will take place on June 27, 2015 from Noon to 7pm in Norfolk. This will be the festival’s twenty-seventh year in the region and the city’s largest one-day festival at Hampton Roads’ premier outdoor festival venue, Town Point Park. The fest is funded by generous supporters and donors.
PrideFest 2015 is FREE for all ages and open to the public. The family-friendly festival features the nation’s only Pride boat parade, which runs along the Elizabeth River between Norfolk and Portsmouth. This year, along with the American Rover, it features a U.S. Coast Guard boat with our Grand Marshal, MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts. Kicking off PrideFest 2015 is the 4th Annual Block Party, on Friday, June 26, 2015 from 7pm-midnight.
PrideFest 2015 Headliners
En Vogue – (Music Headliner) The Grammy-nominated female R&B vocal group has sold more than 20-million records. Currently comprised of Cindy Herron-Braggs, Terry Ellis, and Rhona Bennett, En Vogue formed in 1989 in Oakland and scored a number of hits in the 1990s including “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” “Free Your Mind” and “Whatta Man.” Contact HRP for interviews.
Thomas Roberts – (Grand Marshal) The award-winning news anchor hosts “MSNBC Live with Thomas Roberts” Monday through Friday, from 1pm-3pm Eastern. The program brings viewers the latest breaking news stories as well as details on the biggest stories of the day, the latest political developments, and stories of equality and human rights.
Kristin Beck – (speaker) Born Christopher Beck, she is a former United States Navy SEAL who gained public attention in 2013 when she came out as a trans woman. Beck published her memoir, “Warrior Princess: A U.S. Navy SEAL’s Journey to Coming out Transgender,” having served in the U.S. Navy for twenty years. She is the first openly transgender former U.S. Navy SEAL.
DJP and MrT – (Opening Music for En Vogue) The electropop band from Norfolk is described as “a classy bunch of elegant pop alchemists.” The band released their first full length album in 2013, “Otolith,” – “ambitious, tuneful and gloriously weird. The band updates Thomas Dolby and Soft Cell textures and twists them into something that’s addictive.” – Daily Press
Hampton Roads Pride is a 501(c)3 non-profit, community-based organization incorporated in 1997.
PrideStage special guests include Virginia’s Lt. Governor Ralph Northam, Congressman Bobby Scott, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, and other city and community leaders.
Hampton Roads Pride is very proud to announce this year’s opening musical performance at PrideFest by U.S. Navy’s Fleet Forces Band “Four Star Edition” along with the U.S. Marine Color Guard!
Festival Fun
Pride Boat Parade
Club PrideFest
DJs & Drag Performances
Live Opera!
Family Fun & Games Park
Circus Acts & Aerial Acrobats
Local Food Trucks & Vendors
Educational Experiences
LGBT History Project Exhibit & City Tour
The AIDS Memorial Quilt – The NAMES Project Foundation
Equality Advocates & Allies Area
Virginia Aquarium LIVE! Touch Tank
Chrysler Museum Mobile Glass Studio
Virginia LOVEworks display
Accessible to All – American Sign Language Interpretation Provided
PrideStage Schedule
Noon National Anthem/ U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band/U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard
Noon Pride Boat Parade (dockside)
12:30 U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band
1:30 Honored Guests & Scholarship Awards
1:45 Diana Ross, Queen Emeritus Performance
2:00 Hampton Roads Men’s Chorus
2:15 Todd Rosenlieb Dance, Featuring Kiara
2:30 Virginia Opera
3:00 Mercedes Douglas
3:15 Thomas Roberts
3:30 Kristin Beck
3:45 HR Pride Special Presentations
4:00 DJP & MrT
4:45 Presenting Sponsors – Decorum Furniture & WHRO Public Media
5:00 En Vogue
PrideFest 2015 in Norfolk is the culmination of a full week of Hampton Roads Pride official events across Hampton Roads known as PrideWeek.
PrideWeek Events
Sunday, June 21 – Pride Bar Kickoff – Various LGBT businesses around Hampton Roads
Monday, June 22 – Outdoor Movie Screening – “Pride” – Hermitage Museum & Gardens – 8pm
Tuesday, June 23 – Interfaith Celebration – Ohef Sholom Temple – 7pm
Wednesday, June 24 – Pride Party on the Peninsula – Crowne Plaza Hampton – 6:30pm
Thursday, June 25 – HRBOR – Taste the Rainbow – O’Connor Brewing Co. – 6pm
Friday, June 26 – Pride Block Party – Behind Decorum Furniture – Norfolk – 7pm–Mid
4th Annual Pride Block Party – BIGGER THAN EVER!
Now in its fourth year, this premiere party has grown to a crowd of thousands. One night each summer, Hampton Roads gathers to groove to progress in style at the Pride Block Party. HRP asks the community to be a part of the positivity as we celebrate unity, equality, and oneness. The PBP is the nighttime component to PrideFest 2015. From laser light displays, fire-eaters, music, dancing, DJs, delicious eats, and craft cocktails, the PBP is THE party of the summer in Hampton Roads. It’s located directly behind Decorum Furniture on 21st Street in Norfolk. Doors open at 7pm and the celebration wraps up at midnight. $10 donation at the door. All ages welcome. 21+ to drink.
PrideFest 2015 Theme: Hampton Roads Pride, Hampton Roads Proud
“Hampton Roads Pride, Hampton Roads Proud” isn’t just an expression of accomplishment for progress made in Hampton Roads with regard to the LGBT community, but also, more than ever, the LGBT community is proud of and proud to be in Hampton Roads. It reflects HRP’s success in its mission to instill pride through promoting education of LGBT issues to our community and providing scholarship awards for its LGBT members; showing compassion for others and being free to love who you want to love; and encouraging all individuals to stand up and be proud of who they are, no matter their sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or creed.
A Message From HRP’s President
“The show of support for the LGBT community by small and large, local and national businesses, elected officials from local, state, and national levels, the faith community, arts and cultural institutions, and the United States military at Hampton Roads Pride’s PrideFest 2015 is unprecedented,” said John Osterhout, President of Hampton Roads Pride. “For those in attendance, it will be clear that this year’s theme ‘Hampton Roads Pride, Hampton Roads Proud’ signifies how great it is to be LGBT in the heart of Southeastern Virginia.”
The Pending Ruling by the SCOTUS on Marriage Equality
The United States Supreme Court is set to make a landmark decision that would legalize same-sex marriage across the country. The case, Obergefell v. Hodges, will decide whether states must constitutionally issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples and whether they must legally recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. If the U.S. Supreme Court votes in favor, it will overturn same-sex marriage bans currently in 13 states. Hampton Roads Pride stands ready to respond to this eagerly-awaited decision.
For more information on HRP and all the events, visit our website www.hamptonroadspride.org.
We are thrilled to announce that PrideWeek’s Thursday Event hosted by HRBOR (Hampton Roads Business OutReach) will be held at Fort Monroe’s Paradise Ocean Club on August 21, from 6pm to 9pm. Join us on the beautiful beach of Fort Monroe this month for one of the most fabulous business networking events you’ll ever experience here in Hampton Roads. Get the full event details here.