The 2013 Utah Pride Festival kicks off with the annual Grand Marshal Reception on Friday, May 31, 2013. Light hors doeuvres, desserts and a cash bar at the new Leonardo Event Center overlooking the festival grounds prior to the Saturday festival opening.
Date & Time: Friday, May 31, 7pm
Tickets: $40
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Grand Marshal: Professional Soccer Player, David Testo
David Testo has played professional soccer for over 10 years. David played soccer for the Columbus Crew, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Montreal Impact where he was the 2009 MVP. He is the first professional soccer player in North America to publicly come out, and the first openly gay man to be elected and serve as a member of the US Soccer Athletic Council. An active member of the advisory board for the "You Can Play" Campaign, he is an advocate for gay rights and awareness in sports. Testo is a strong public voice that aims to replace hate and ignorance with compassion and understanding regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other classification.
"I'm very honored and proud to be a part of such a special event like Pride in Utah," David says, "For me it is special because I know where the country stands right now and it's a very pivotal moment for LGBT people. The movement we are trying to create towards equality is like a snowball turning into an avalanche and Salt Lake City is a place where this message is so important. I hope I can help whoever needs it, be an inspiration for others, and spread the word of equality and acceptance."
David is a tireless advocate for LGBT athletes, and continually works to make the sporting world more open, accepting and safe for our community. David is also an unquestionable advocate for marriage equality, and lends his voice to those advocating for gay and lesbian couples throughout the United States.
Read about other Awardees who will be honored at the Grand Marshal Reception »
