'We can celebrate and educate'

Guess what?

Mystique Storm Monroe is going to be the Grand Marshal for the Southeastern Ohio Rainbow Alliance Pride parade that begins Saturday around 11 a.m. — the lineup starts at 10 a.m. by Court Street near Alden Library in Athens.

“SEORA welcomes Athens Pride Fest 2024 Grand Marshal, Mystique Monroe. Mystique is a talented performer from Princeton, West Virginia, who has tirelessly aided SEORA with many performances and fundraisers,” SEORA President Chris Nevil said. “Her tireless work for our community and many others is appreciated. We are happy to recognize her as our 2024 Grand Marshall and award her a fabulous crown that she will be wearing in the parade.”

Worth noting, there is a drag show that starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at Eclipse — doors open at 7 p.m; $10 cover. Great show!

So what’s Monroe’s backstory?

Monroe: I’m 28 years old this month! And I started performing around 19 years old in Huntington and Charleston, West Virginia.

Athens News: Where did your stage name come from?

Monroe: My name was given to me by the person to first put me in drag saying my eyes were mysterious and I should be Mystique and I later on gained the Storm Monroe last names from my drag mother and grandmother.

Athens News: You’re from West Virginia — a proud Mountaineer too?

Monroe: I grew up in Princeton, West Virginia

Athens News: How did you get into drag?

Monroe: The art form a drag drew me in at a younger age and I didn’t even realize it! I definitely resonated with the dramatic expression and creativity of drag!

Athens News: What’s your “day” job?

Monroe: I’m the general manager of a restaurant in Bluefield, Virginia.

Athens News: Are you ready to be grand marshal?

Monroe: I’m super excited to represent SEORA Pride in the Pride Parade as the Grand Marshal! I believe events like this can be great ways to help build up the community and hopefully help shed some light on certain issues that get swept under the rug!

Athens News: Why is celebrating Pride Month important?

Monroe: Pride Month is important to me because it’s not just a month of the LGBTQIA+ Community shoving our lifestyles in the face of everybody, it’s a month of us celebrating the fact that we have chosen to live our authentic lives, as our true selves, shamelessly! We as a community are proud of where we have came from and where we are headed! Many may not understand but that’s why we have Pride, so we can celebrate and educate!