# @denverpride on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C5hEKViJVf4
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66356867-denverpride-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/ddeddca357.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-04-08T22:06:18.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Jameson Johnson (@opheliapeaches) — https://gondola.cc/opheliapeaches

## Caption

Denver Pride is honored to announce Christopher Sloan, also known as the legendary Christi Layne, as the Grand Marshal for our 50th anniversary celebration.⁠
⁠
Christi has been a driving force behind significant milestones for Denver’s LGBTQ+ community, including getting the first permit for the Denver Pride Parade & Festival and being an honorary founder of The Center. Christi also held the position as Empress VI of the Imperial Court of the Rocky Mountain Empire.⁠
⁠
In 1976, the inaugural parade faced uncertain odds; the permit to march was initially limited to the sidewalk and marchers were told to obey the streetlights. This wasn't enough for Christi. At only 20 years old, Christi took a bold stand with the city, stating, “I’ve got hundreds of people coming. We're going to march whether you give us a permit or not.” Amidst continued opposition, Christi made a cold call to the governor's office to secure a last-minute permit, which was hand delivered on the day of the march by 6 police cars. What began with just 200 individuals blossomed into a powerful movement, with hundreds of people joining along the route. By the time the parade ended, over 1,200 people had joined, bringing one of the marchers to tears stating, “Now I know I’m not alone.”⁠ ⁠
⁠
⁠
#DenverPride50 #PrideHistory

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 76
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 4

## Tags

denverpride50, pridehistory

---
Copyright (c) Gondola