About the 2019 Theme

Just after 3 a.m., on June 29 1969, a police raid of the Stonewall Inn—a New York City gay club—turns violent as patrons and local sympathizers begin rioting against the police.

This was followed by several days of demonstrations and was the impetus for the formation of the Gay Liberation Front as well as other gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans civil rights organizations.

It’s also regarded as history’s first major protest on behalf of equal rights for homosexuals. On June 29th 2019, Heartland Pride will mark the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and a half-century of LGBTQ+ liberation.

Daniel  is  our Co-Grand Marshall and Youth Pride Guest Speaker. He is an American actor, writer, director, comedian and activist best known for his roles in director Larry Clark’s Bully and as the creator of several live comedy shows including the 2011 rock opera Jersey Shoresical: A Frickin’ Rock Opera! and his one-man stand-up performance I’ve Never Really Made the Kind of Money to Become a Mess.

After publicly revealing his sexuality in 2014, he became more active in the fight for civil and human rights in the LGBTQ community; and through his portrayal of the HIV-positive character Eddie in the second season of the HBO series Looking, and its subsequent series finale television film, Looking: The Movie, he has become a well known AIDS activist. In 2015 he became an ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. Probably most well known for his portrayal of Damian in Mean Girls, we are so excited to have Daniel at our 2019 Pride festival and Parade!

At an astounding twenty-one years of age, our first musician combines her observant and mature outlook on life, love, and music to write amazing, memorable songs that stick in your head. Her music and riveting live performances have the ability to capture an audience in a way few can. Whether it’s just a hand full of people or a crowd of thousands, she connects.

We are so proud to announce, Omaha’s sweetheart, BMG artist, you can download her new single Speak Up.

Our next performer placed 10^th in season 8 of RuPauls Drag Race, and was crowned Miss Congeniality.

Known for her positive energy and genuine heart that caught Mama Ru’s eye and earned herself a “second chance” at RuPaul’s Drag Race as was invited back for Season 9 (only the second queen in Herstory to be invited back) and coincidentally, she has been given a second chance at life as well: Currently in remission after surviving stage 1 liver cancer, and bringing her Puerto Rican Cucu to the stage, Heartland Pride  2019 is thrilled to have Cynthia Lee Fontaine perform!

Born in Milwaukee Wisconsin, raised in Beijing China, and educated at the Berkley College of Music, this LA-based electro rock/pop artists music has been described as “the straightforward confessions of a young emerging singer-songwriter, introducing an emotionally introspective side of his artistic psyche”. With no-holds-barred production and stratospherically ambitious vocal delivery, he offers a fresh but accessible take on what a queer pop artist can be in the 21st century. His debut EP “Brainchemistry” debuted in the top 25 on the iTunes Pop Charts and Heartland Pride is thrilled to  have ZEE MACHINE!