Nomination Form
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Honoring the Architect of Camp
and the Heart of Our Heritage
The Pride Acadiana
Parade Grand Marshal
In the world of Louisiana’s queer history, there are those who follow tradition, and then there are those who build a new world out of glitter, grit, and a healthy dose of subversion. Jimmy Pool, known affectionately to generations as Miss Pool, is the undisputed queen of the latter.
When the Acadiana Queer Collective established our highest honor, there was only one name that truly captured the spirit of endurance, humor, and radical authenticity we sought to celebrate.
Why Jimmy Pool?
To name an award after someone is to claim their values as your own. We chose Jimmy Pool because his life is a masterclass in the art of being seen.
Long before Pride was a festival, it was a secret. Jimmy is a living link to the "Old Guard" of New Orleans Gay Carnival, an era when masking was both a celebration and a shield. He survived and thrived through decades of change, carrying our stories from the underground ballrooms to the modern stage.
Jimmy taught us that queer joy is a political act. Whether he was greeting guests in a towering, scandalous headdress or sporting his signature "improbable bosoms," he used humor to dismantle pretension. He proved that you can be "Royalty" while still being the funniest person in the room.
As the perennial gatekeeper of the balls, Jimmy was the first face many young queer people saw when they stepped into their community. He represented a safe harbor, a reminder that there is a place for everyone in this "improbable" family of ours.
The Impact of a Legend
The Jimmy Pool Lifetime Achievement Award isn't just about longevity; it’s about impact. It is awarded to those who, like Jimmy, have dedicated their lives to the advancement, visibility, and joy of the LGBTQ+ community in Louisiana.
Jimmy didn’t just participate in our culture; he helped define its aesthetic and its soul. He taught us that to be queer is to be resilient, to be colorful, and—above all, to never take ourselves too seriously while doing serious work.
To know Miss Pool is to know the history of our people. To receive this award is to carry a piece of that history forward.
Each year, we present this award to a trailblazer who embodies the same "Miss Pool" spirit: someone who stands at the door of progress, welcoming others in with open arms and a wink.
We don't just celebrate where we are going; we honor the giants whose high-heeled footsteps paved the way.
The Pride Acadiana Grand Marshal isn’t just a title, it’s the highest energy role in our entire celebration. This is the person we choose to be the official voice and face of the party, leading the charge from the very front of the line.
We’re looking for the individual who embodies the "Now" of our community, the person who makes us want to show up, stand out, and celebrate exactly who we are.
We aren’t looking for a long-winded resume; we’re looking for a vibe. The Grand Marshal is the person who brings the spark that turns a parade into a movement.
We look for:
Someone with infectious energy who knows how to get a crowd on their feet. If they’re in the room, the party has officially started.
We want someone who is proud, loud, and lives their truth in a way that inspires everyone around them to do the same.
Whether they’re a local creator, a nightlife icon, or just that person everyone knows and loves, our Grand Marshal represents the heartbeat of Acadiana’s queer culture today.
The Grand Marshal’s mission is simple: Set the tone. They lead the parade not just as a figurehead, but as the captain of our collective joy. They are the one who turns a march into a celebration and reminds the entire city that our community is vibrant, essential, and having a whole lot of fun.
We aren’t just looking for someone to lead the line, we’re looking for the person who makes the whole city want to join the party.