West Indian Day Parade names 1st ever transgender Grand Marshall

Ms. Victoria Cruz, a lifelong Brooklyn native and paradegoer with Puerto Rican roots, is ready to take on the honor of Grand Marshall.

News 12 Staff

Sep 2, 2022, 2:29 AM

Updated 830 days ago

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The West Indian Day Parade is all about the culture, and this year, parade participants will be led down Eastern Parkway by a new Grand Marshall. 
Ms. Victoria Cruz, a lifelong Brooklyn native and paradegoer with Puerto Rican roots, is ready to take on the honor of Grand Marshall.  
Lamont Jesse, who is a part of the West Indian Day Parade Association, brought Cruz to the attention of everyone he knew, knowing she would be a great fit.  
Jesse and Cruz met back in 2018 and have been inseparable ever since.  
“Actually, I ran into her on the train. I knew it was destined… my work has to be fighting for the LGBTQ plus community,” said Jesse.  
The parade kicks off officials this Monday.