Reading Pride Celebration has announced the selection of City Council Woman, Donna Reed and the director of the Gender Affirming Medical and Surgical Program at Reading Hospital, Dr. Ashley Brandt, O.D. as Grand Marshalls of the Reading Pride Festival 2021.
“As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, it was very important for us this year to recognize that, while we are celebrating a milestone 15th Pride, there are many others in the community whose dedication and impact have helped make this celebration possible”, Said Enrique Castro Jr, President of RPC. “Celebrating 15 years of Pride would not be possible without the work of community members who help to make our City and County a more inclusive place to live.”
Councilwoman Reed has been a long-time dedicated supporter of RPC and the community. She has helped make many of the accomplishments we celebrate as an LGBTQ+ community in Reading, a reality.
“It is quite an unexpected honor to be named co-grand marshal for this 15th-anniversary celebration of Reading Pride,” said City Council Woman Reed. “The important work this group does to honor the wonderful diversity of folks in Greater Reading and the dignity of Pride’s efforts in accepting and loving those around us — and ourselves — can never be praised highly enough. I am humbled by this honor and accept it gratefully in a true rainbow of happiness.”
In the other hand, Dr. Brandt and her work at the transgender clinic has really solidified our community as an accepting and wonderful place to live. Her work and dedication to our community has ensured that our Transgender siblings who call our county home, now have a dedicated clinic with health professionals who truly care and understand their needs.
“I am so deeply humbled and honored to serve as a Co-Grand Marshall for Pride this year. The LGBTQ community, particularly in Berks County, is one of the more diverse and resilient communities I have had the pleasure of working with. My patients are my daily inspiration and being a part of their transition and care is an honor that words cannot describe. I look forward to continuing to serve this incredible community and advocating for them, both in and outside of the office,” said Dr. Brandt.
Reading Pride Celebration Festival 2021 will take place at Centre Park in Reading on August 22 from 12 – 6 PM. This year the festival will feature Steven Andrade as Cher, Singer Jeannie Sol as MC and performer, and many other local artists to be announced in the upcoming weeks.
