Inside Pride Parade

Inside Pride Parade Silver Award

“Clearly a lot of work and tons of creativity went into this effort, and it shows. A truly original, innovative and fun way to engage alumni virtually and address a timely and relevant social issue. The website was well designed, the parade clearly explained, the floats were awesome, and the moderators reflected a diverse group.”

Inside Pride Parade Event Banner
July 26, 2020

Inside Pride Parade

Judges Praise Virtual Parade for Creativity, Innovation and Social Impact

UCLA Lambda Alumni hosted the Inside Pride Parade—featuring desktop floats, Grand Marshals and performing groups—on Sunday, July 26, at 11 a.m. PDT. Themed “We're In This and Out Together,” the inaugural Inside Pride Parade showcased more than 40 floats and performances submitted by individuals and organizations. Grand Marshals honored during the event included BIPOC alumni and public figures closely connected to the LGBTQ+ community.

The event was co-hosted by UCLA Lambda Alumni Association board member Jonathan Wilson, M.B.A. '08; comedienne Jackie Steele; and Your Gay Cousins podcast hosts Michael Avila '09 and Estevan.

Float entrants competed for inaugural bragging rights, and watch parties were organized to view the celebration on Facebook Live.

Watch the Recorded Parade
Pride Parade Hosts
Jonathan Wilson

Jonathan Wilson M.B.A. '08

Jonathan Wilson is a Black LGBTQ+ M.B.A. alumus from UCLA Anderson School of Management. He currently is President & Chief Value Creator of his own management consulting firm, Dubb Value Creation, LLC, primarily focused on organic and inorganic value creation for start-up, fintech and more traditional organizations.

For 20+ years, he has worked with Fortune 500 companies developing and executing both inorganic growth initiatives (M&A) as well as organic growth initiatives to enhance profitability through increased revenue and/or realized cost savings.

In addition to his M.B.A., Jonathan holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of California, San Diego. In his free time, he enjoys bowling, movies, traveling, wine and spending time with loved ones. He is also on the board of directors for the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association and the Los Angeles Urban League.

Jackie Steele

Jackie Steele

Jackie Steele is a comedian and producer of shows at the Comedy Store, Hollywood Improv and now Zoom! You can see Jackie in “HomeWERK” (a Zoom comedy and drag show) on Thursdays and “OK, ZOOMER” (standup with a live DJ) on Friday nights.

Show information can be found on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and both shows are always free to essential workers and any out of work folks who need a laugh. Jackie Steele donates on behalf of all shows to a charity partner through #heartsofsteele.

For hosting/booking or inquiries on producing comedy shows and/or charity shows contact: jackiesteelecomedy@gmail.com

Michael Avila and Estevan

Michael Avila '09 & Estevan

Though not actual cousins, real-life best friends Estevan & Michael met as members of a gay fraternity while Michael attended UCLA and Estevan attended the University of Arizona. They immediately bonded over their love of tacos, pop culture and boys (not in that order). The two have spent decades simultaneously surviving gay life, Latinx families, and Hollywood ... they're very tired.

Colorful and casual, each episode of their podcast feels like you're hanging out with your closest friends. Estevan is a Los Angeles-based television writer and Michael a reality TV producer, together neither of their parents understand their career choices. Feeling like something was missing from the podcast space, the duo decided to launch a show that lives at the intersection of queer history and Latinx culture.

Floats
Performances By
Performing groups: Ahmanson Theatre, Colorado Trans Choir, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Trancendence Gospel Choir and Youth Pride Chorus.
Featured Grand Marshals
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