Famed activist to lead parade

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Activist Cleve Jones at the 81st Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 22. Jones was played by actor Emile Hirsh in the Oscar-winning movie Milk.

Published: June 16, 2009 5:34 a.m.

Last modified: June 16, 2009 1:36 a.m.

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Cleve Jones, an American pioneer in the gay rights movement who was portrayed in the Academy Award-winning film Milk, has been appointed a Grand Marshal at Vancouver’s Pride Parade this summer.

Jones’ career as an activist began in San Francisco in the 1970s, where he started an AIDS charity and began advocating for gay rights with openly gay politician Harvey Milk — who was later assassinated.

“Cleve’s courage, dedication, energy and strength has created lasting growth and progress in the LGBT rights movement throughout North America,” said Vancouver Pride Society president Ken Coolen.

“Since participating in Harvey Milk’s political campaigns, Cleve has inspired the LGBT movement around the world to stand up and demand equality. His leadership is truly an example to which we can all aspire.”

Joining Jones as Grand Marshals will be local LGBT activists Jeremy Dias and Janine Fuller.

Cindy Kampmeinert, an openly gay Vancouver firefighter who died in India last year, will be the parade’s Honourary Pride Hero.

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