Each year, Pride Corpus Christi carefully selects a Grand Marshal to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the rights and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Grand Marshal represents not only a symbol of leadership but also a beacon of advocacy, resilience, and support within our vibrant and diverse community. Our board of directors thoughtfully deliberates on this selection, ensuring that the chosen individual reflects the values of inclusivity, equality, and positive change.
Pride Corpus Christi is fortunate to have a community full of passionate advocates—both LGBTQIA+ and allies—who work tirelessly to promote acceptance and justice for all. The Grand Marshal is someone who embodies this spirit, and we are proud to highlight their incredible service and achievements during the annual Pride Parade.
2024 Grand Marshal
Kitana Sanchez
Pride Corpus Christi is proud to announce Kitana Sánchez as the 2024 Grand Marshal! Kitana, a transgender Latina and long-standing advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights in the Coastal Bend, has tirelessly worked to uplift the voices of marginalized communities. Her dedication to advancing visibility for transgender Latinas, combined with her leadership and involvement in the community, makes her an exemplary choice to lead this year’s parade. Kitana’s advocacy, performances, and unwavering courage serve as an inspiration to us all, and we are honored to have her represent Pride Corpus Christi in 2024!
Learn More About Kitana
Kitana Sánchez is a 38-year-old transgender Latina currently residing in Corpus Christi, Texas. Born and raised in the small border town of Del Rio, Texas, she moved to Corpus Christi to continue her education at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English in 2010. During her time in college, she became a transgender advocate, recognizing the need for visibility and representation for transgender Latinas in the Coastal Bend area.With a passion for performing, Kitana embraced belly dancing with the Middle Eastern Dance Club at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and incorporated the skills she learned into her performances as an entertainer and showgirl. Over the years, she has competed in various contests and pageants, earning several titles, including Miss Corpus Christi Newcomer USofA 2010, 1st Alternate to Miss Texas Continental 2012, Miss Gay Corpus Christi 2014, Queen of Fantasia 2016, Miss Gay Texas Universe 2021, Miss Gay Universe 2022, and currently, Miss Trans Oklahoma USA 2024.
Kitana’s advocacy work has also been widely recognized. She was named Corpus Christi Advocate of the Year with the #BeHuman Campaign in 2016, received the Award for Outstanding Service to the Community in 2017, and earned the Certificate of Courage for promoting strength, hope, and acceptance in the community in 2018. In 2019, she was honored with the Key to the City of Del Rio, Texas, by Mayor Bruno J. Lozano and was named “Duchess for Life” by the Texas Renaissance Empire (TRE). Her accolades also include the Advocacy Witch for Justice and Equality 2022 title and the Certificate of Appreciation from the Royal Sovereign and Imperial Court of the Texas Empire XXXIII in 2022. Most recently, she was awarded the Karina Samala Trans America Award from the International Court Council USA, Canada, Mexico in 2024 and named Activist of the Year at the 2024 Glammy Awards.
In addition to her titles and awards, Kitana is an active leader in her community. She serves as Vice President for Corpus Christi LGBT, co-facilitator of the Coastal Bend Trans Alliance (founded in 2016), and ambassador for the #BeHuman Campaign. She also wrote for *Hard Candy* magazine, contributing to her column “Viva La Trans,” and is a frequent speaker for the LGBTQIA+ community at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and in the surrounding areas.
Kitana has been a strong advocate for marriage equality, marching in Corpus Christi before the passage of the Marriage Equality Act. She continues to blaze a trail for the LGBTQIA+ community, and her advocacy efforts have been highlighted in local news outlets, especially regarding the impact of anti-transgender legislation and laws that hinder the progress of the transgender community.
For Kitana, visibility and representation start the moment she steps out of her front door into society. She hopes that one day, even if she’s not around to see it, equality for all LGBTQIA+ people will be achieved worldwide. As she wisely states, “The intentions you put into your work can either nourish or repress the fruits of your labor, choose wisely.”
2023 Grand Marshal
Parents with Pride
Parents with Pride was created as a direct response to the harmful rhetoric and policies coming out of the Texas State government in 2023, particularly targeting parents who supported their transgender children. In a time when some lawmakers pushed the narrative that parents could be held liable for affirming their LGBTQIA+ children, we wanted to counter that with a message of love and unity. This group of dedicated parents came together not only to support one another but to proudly march in solidarity with their children, sending a powerful message of acceptance and defiance against intolerance. Instead of honoring a single individual as Grand Marshal, we recognized this group for their collective courage and unwavering commitment to their children’s rights and well-being.
2022 Grand Marshal
Dr. Jack McIntyre
Pride Corpus Christi proudly recognizes Dr. Jack McIntyre as the 2022 Parade Grand Marshal. As a dedicated local business owner, a passionate ally, and a role model for parents everywhere, Dr. McIntyre has shown unwavering support for LGBTQIA+ youth in the Coastal Bend. Through his advocacy and involvement with organizations such as the Coastal Bend Trans Alliance, the Coastal Bend Pride Center, and YNOT, he has helped to uplift and protect the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. We are deeply honored to publicly celebrate his contributions and his ongoing efforts to promote diversity, inclusivity, and acceptance in Corpus Christi. We look forward to standing alongside Dr. McIntyre and his family as we continue to create a more inclusive community.
2019 Grand Marshal
Judge Barbara Canales
Pride Corpus Christi proudly recognizes Judge Barbara Canales as the 2019 Parade Grand Marshal. As a trailblazing leader in the Coastal Bend, Judge Canales has long been a strong advocate for justice, equality, and the rights of all people—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2019, her decision to march as the Grand Marshal of the Pride Parade sparked an unfortunate attack from a local priest, whose hateful rhetoric was condemned by the community and local leaders. Despite the backlash, Judge Canales remained steadfast in her support for the LGBTQIA+ community, demonstrating incredible resilience and courage.
By taking her place as Grand Marshal, Judge Canales made a powerful statement about the importance of standing up against intolerance and bigotry. Her leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity have had a lasting impact on our community, and we are forever grateful for her dedication to fostering a more just and accepting world. Judge Canales’ bravery in the face of opposition serves as an inspiration to us all, and we honor her for her continued support of equality and human dignity.