Gay pride month

Ambassador Shapiro attended the Gay Pride Parade on Friday, June 8, 2012.

Joshua Grannell, the "altar" ego of Peaches Christ, is a San Francisco-based filmmaker and entertainer. who made his feature film directorial debut with the dark, horror comedy "All About Evil," starring Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Dekkar, Cassandra Peterson and Mink Stole.  He spearheaded the "ALL ABOUT EVIL: THE PEACHES CHRIST EXPERIENCE IN 4-D," a multimedia film/music event that toured the world featuring actors from the film and has created the immensely popular "MIDNIGHT MASS" movie series, an interactive celebration featuring a film tribute and live interview with a multitude of talent including John Waters, Elvira - Mistress of the Dark, Jennifer Tilly, Pam Grier and much more. Grannell is currently developing, producing and distributing feature film projects, exclusive online content and 'live' events, for crazed fans, around the world. For additional information about the world of Peaches Christ, please visit: http://www.PeachesChrist.com.

Jacob Grannell, joined the foreign service in 2008 and took his first assignment in 2009 in Manila, Philippines where he worked as a vice consul.  From the beginning, he was an active member in GLIFAA.  He joined GLIFAA weeks after entering the Department of State and in Manila he worked with another officer and several local staff to coordinate an LGBT cocktail reception during the month of June.  Held at the PAO’s residence it was attended by the Ambassador who delivered the keynote speech.  The successful evening highlighted the achievements of the Filipino LGBT community and recognized their contributions to society.

During college Jacob was active in the University of Maryland’s LGBT community. Often  spoke to classes as large as 150 persons about LGBT issues including coming out to friends and family, religion, and more.  He also worked in the Pride Association to recognize important days like National Coming Out day and the remembrance for Matthew Shephard, a college student that was murdered in 1998 for being gay.