Arts & Entertainment

Greg Louganis to be Rose Parade’s first out grand marshall

diver makes history

Published

10 years ago

November 4, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Greg Louganis. Photo via Mercury News.)

Greg Louganis made Rose Parade history when he was named grand marshall for the 128th Rose Parade on Thursday. This makes Louganis the first openly gay Rose Parade grand marshall in the ceremony’s history.

Louganis told Mercury News he didn’t initially realize he would be the first out grand marshall but recognized the importance.

“I hope it inspires people and that they know they are loved,” Louganis told Mercury News.

The diver and four-time gold medalist, who came out in 1995, will share the honor with Olympic swimming champion Janet Evans and track and field gold Olympian Allyson Felix.

The parade’s theme will be “Echoes of Success” and “tells the story of how our character has developed through the selfless contributions of others and celebrates their inspirational gifts,” according to the Tournament of Roses website.

The 2017 Rose Parade will be held in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 2.

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Photos

PHOTOS: SUNFESTIVAL

Annual dance party held amid weekend festivities in Rehoboth Beach

Published

10 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Daniel Truitt

A scene from the SUNFESTIVAL Night of Dance at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Sept. 6. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The annual CAMP Rehoboth fundraiser, SUNFESTIVAL, was held over Labor Day weekend in Rehoboth Beach, Del. The festival included a massive dance party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Sunday.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)

Arts & Entertainment

Nominate your favorites for the Blade’s 25th annual Best Of LGBTQ DC Awards

Submit your picks now; top 5 vote getters move to the finals

Published

15 hours ago

September 9, 2026

Staff reports

Nominate your favorites in our Best of LGBTQ DC categories through Sept. 24. The top 5 nominees from each category will become finalists with voting starting Sept. 28. Our 2026 Best of LGBTQ DC winners will be announced at the Best of LGBTQ DC Awards Party on Thursday, Oct. 22 and our special issue will come out on Friday, Oct. 23. One vote per email address per day. Good luck!

CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OR USE THE FORM BELOW!

Out & About

Blade Foundation to host fundraiser in Rehoboth on Sept. 12

Mayor-elect Stewart, state Rep. Snyder-Hall to give remarks

Published

3 days ago

September 7, 2026

Tinashe Chingarande

Rehoboth Mayor-elect Susan Stewart will speak at the Blade Foundation fundraiser on Sept. 12.

The Washington Blade Foundation will host a fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 12 in Rehoboth Beach featuring remarks from Rehoboth’s Mayor-elect Susan Stewart and Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall.

The Foundation funds fellowships for aspiring queer journalists and enterprise journalism projects.

The event will be held at a private home in Rehoboth. Tickets are $100 and include open bar from Diego’s, catered appetizers from the Blue Moon, entertainment, guest speakers, and an auction. Tickets are available here.