GRAND MARSHAL Maria Espinal she/her, they/them

The choice of Grand Marshal communicates values, contribution, gratitude and the realities of the moment – and so it is with this year’s Grand Marshal, Maria Espinal.

Maria is a bisexual Latin activist whose work spans LGBTQIA+, immigrant, labor, and human rights. She lives in Catskill with her spouse Rebecca and is a proud mother and grandmother.

Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York City in a conservative religious household, she had to carve her own path toward becoming a bold, self-confident queer Latina in a world that expected her to remain silent. At 17, she rejected those expectations and chose a different future.

Maria entered the finance world as a stockbroker trainee, often the only woman in rooms dominated by cisgender men. At age 39, she made a life-changing decision: she entered the trades through Nontraditional Employment for Women's apprenticeship program and became a union millwright, advocating daily for her right to belong.

As threats to vulnerable communities grew, Maria began volunteering with the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network, where she now serves as a case manager, helping immigrants in Ulster County access resources to live with dignity and safety. Her work brings together all the causes she cares about: LGBTQIA+ rights, women's rights, workers' rights, and immigrant justice.

We recognize Maria for their work with the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network on behalf of immigrants, another population, like ours, targeted by this administration, and for our shared commitment to justice, dignity and protection for all communities.

"My hope is that we continue the work of ensuring this country lives up to that promise for all."

Line up begins at 10am outside the Community Center at 300 Wall Street between John and North Front Street. While you wait, artist Ren Hollick will be helping everyone make signs to march with. The march steps off at 12pm.

The Kingston Pride Festival takes place at Academy Green from 12pm to 5pm. Performances start at 1pm.

Guitarmy of One

Percussion Orchestra of Kingston

Denise Parent

Kay Turner and the Pages

Movimento con Adri

(Afrobeats and amapiano dance lesson)

Cuban Waltz

Retts as Frank Sinatra, Stella Rose, King Nilus, and Bubbles

7 food trucks and vendors, handmade goods by local queer artisans, face painting, henna, lawn games, sidewalk chalk art, youth organizations tabling, and over 30 vendors and community groups represented.