May 26, 2016
Deborah Cox, a Canadian recording artist best known for her 1998 Billboard R&B and hip-hop hit "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here," will headline Philly Gay Pride 2016, according to a listing on her website.
In addition to her R&B recordings, Cox, 41, has also performed on Broadway — first in "Aida," and again in "Jekyll & Hyde." She's also billed to star in a rendition of "The Bodyguard" at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse during the 2016-17 season. She's currently starring in the musical "Josephine," about French jazz performer and dancer Josephine Baker.
Other acts set to perform at Philly Gay Pride, to be held Sunday, June 12, include Betty, Jessica Kirson, Jade Starling (of '80s duo Pretty Poison), The Prancing Elites, and tribute performers Rainere Hale Martin. Earlier this week, it was announced — with a touch of controversy — that the Greater Philadelphia Gay Officer Action League, an organization of Philadelphia LGBT police officers, would serve as this year's grand marshals. This year's theme is "Are you connected?"
Last year's headliner was Fran Drescher, another star of the 1990s known for her role as Fran Fine in the CBS sitcom "The Nanny."
The 2016 Philly Gay Pride parade kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on June 12, starting at 13th and Locust streets. Festival admission begins at noon at Penn's Landing; admission is $15 at the gate or $10 if you purchase a wristband at the Pride Kickoff Party on Friday, June 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
