Tarra Matthews
Senior Manager
Always a loud and proud supporter of the LGBT community, openly gay Japanese-American actor George Takei has been announced as Grand Marshall for this year’s Columbus PRIDE Parade.
Karla Rothan, Executive Director of Stonewall Columbus, speaks of George’s commitment to equal rights, “Throughout the globe, LGBT people live without equal rights in isolation and fear. George has worked tirelessly on behalf of our rights and we honor him in June for his lifetime of activism.”
The theme of this year’s Columbus Pride is ‘Created Equal’ which is very fitting for not only Takei being the Grand Marshall, but also the recent news out of Ohio that Federal Judge Timothy Black has overturned the law banning the recognition of Gay Marriages in the state. “We are far from created equal in this state and in so many places around the world… As an artist and activist, George’s compelling story syncs with our theme, “Created Equal.”
Outside being best known for his Star Trek role as Hikaru Sulu on the original television series, Takei has an impressive list of accomplishments and titles on his resume. Takei sits on the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission thanks to an appointment by former President Bill Clinton. The government of Japan has even awarded him the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his contribution to U.S.-Japanese relations.
Takei is also happily married to his long-time partner Brad Altman. The couple became the first same-sex couple to apply for a marriage license in West Hollywood after being married at the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
George will Grand Marshall the Columbus Pride Parade on June 21st at 11am before receiving his award the following morning (the 22nd) at the Pride Brunch.
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