Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will lead NYC Pride this June as one of the event’s grand marshals, honoured for her groundbreaking career in politics and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Jean-Pierre, who served under President Joe Biden as the first out LGBTQ+ person and the first Black person to hold the role of White House Press Secretary, was selected to help headline the world-renowned Pride march in New York City on June 29.
“It goes back to that trailblazing career that she’s had in politics and representing the community at the highest microphone that exists,” said NYC Pride spokesperson Chris Piedmont.
🏳️🌈 A History of Firsts
Jean-Pierre made history not just as press secretary, but also as the first gay woman to lead a White House press briefing while serving as deputy to Jen Psaki. Her résumé includes key roles in high-profile campaigns: she was chief of staff to Kamala Harris during the 2020 election, making her the first Black person in that position for a vice-presidential candidate and one of the highest-ranking LGBTQ+ figures in the Biden-Harris campaign.
Earlier in her career, she worked in the Obama White House’s Office of Political Affairs and later became the national spokesperson for MoveOn in 2016. She’s also been a political commentator for NBC News and MSNBC and taught at Columbia University.
🌟 Pride & Reflection
Now, Jean-Pierre is shifting focus after a high-pressure role in public service. Speaking to People, she said she’s currently prioritising self-care, rest, and time with family and friends.
“It was an honor and a privilege to have the job and to have done it for two and a half years, but I don’t miss it,” she shared.
During her final briefing at the White House, she offered words of hope and inspiration:
“I may be the first for many things at this podium, but I hope I am not the last.”
“I hope my presence has inspired many young girls who look like me, who share my background, to follow their dreams and never give up.”
NYC Pride organisers will announce the remaining grand marshals in the lead-up to the June 29 parade, but Jean-Pierre’s appointment has already been widely praised as a powerful nod to progress, representation, and resilience.
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