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Johnny Weir Will Lead L.A. Pride Parade on June 12

The figure skating champion and gay rights advocate has been named grand marshal of the parade in its 41st year.

Three-time U.S. figure skating champion and gay rights advocate Johnny Weir has been named grand marshal of the 2011 L.A. Pride Parade on June 12. The 26-year-old revealed his sexual orientation in January when his autobiography, Welcome to My World, was released. He had avoided the topic for years and says his decision to become openly gay was influenced by the recent surge of gay teen suicides. Weir will oversee the parade that travels along Santa Monica Boulevard. The route moved from Hollywood to the LGBT enclave of West Hollywood in 1979.

"I never think of myself as an activist in any capacity, but I am glad that people can find strength and inspiration in my triumphs and defeats,” Weir said in a press release.

"Johnny lives a life with a defined purpose, is dedicated to helping young people and is not afraid to be himself, sometimes not always an easy thing for a world-class athlete," said Rodney Scott, board president of Christopher Street West, the nonprofit that produces the parade. 

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The L.A. Pride Parade is expected to draw more than 400,000 people to West Hollywood in its 41st year. Christopher Street West works with the city every year to provide parking and street locations for the weekend-long festival and parade, which celebrates LGBT rights and transparency. More than 75 entertainers, including Margaret Cho, Estelle and Macy Gray, will appear at the event. 

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