Will Phillips Named Gay Pride Grand Marshal

By Julie Bolcer

Will Phillips Grand Marshalx390 (Screengrab) | Advocate.com

Will Phillips, the 10-year-old boy who last year refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at school until LGBT people have full equality, will serve as grand marshal of the Northwest Arkansas Gay Pride Parade on Saturday. The youngster, who has addressed thousands of people since he took a stand, said he has a special strategy for dealing with protesters.

According to KFSM, Phillips will be the youngest grand marshal ever in the Fayetteville parade, and he is prepared to silence any potential protests with kindness.

"Pretty much all you need to do is smile wider and wave at them," he said.

Watch the report from KFSM.

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Reader Comments

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Name: Nolyn Melvin
Date posted: 6/26/2010 4:32:22 PM
Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas

Comment:
Will Phillips speaking at NWA Pride today in Fayetteville, Arkansas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ns_kQD1Gfh4
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Name: Proud
Date posted: 6/24/2010 4:31:51 PM
Hometown: of you

Comment:
I just want to give props to Will. They say that young childen don't have a voice but they do. No one blinks an eye at 10 year olds deciding to "follow" the beaten path. It takes a lot of courage to find and issue and stand behind it. Most adults have problems having enough esteem to advocate. Good job Will
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Name: Täs
Date posted: 6/23/2010 2:08:58 AM
Hometown: Little Rock, AR

Comment:
As an Arkansan and an activist I can't wait for Fayetteville's Pride Parade this weekend. I'm doing my part with DYSC (Diverse Youth for Social Change) to facilitate it, and it is incredible that the city of Fayetteville funded our community 4,000 dollars to conduct the parade. Truly a first for an Arkansas Pride.
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Name: Mike
Date posted: 6/22/2010 11:27:15 PM
Hometown: Chicago

Comment:
@ spikewebbe: because he's human and acknowledges it in both self and others. It's too bad more of our leaders can't be this strong.
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Name: spikewebbe
Date posted: 6/22/2010 2:37:37 PM
Hometown: Boston, MA

Comment:
Gee, and I thought all ten year old boys were too busy watching silly cartoons and playing with their Gameboys to pay attention to anything in the real world. I wonder why this kid cares so much about gay people?
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Name: Brian
Date posted: 6/22/2010 1:28:01 PM
Hometown: St. Louis

Comment:
I am so touched and impressed by this young man's committment and concern. It really gives me hope that the younger generation is all for us. "And a little child shall lead them."
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Name: Jessica
Date posted: 6/22/2010 1:03:06 PM
Hometown: NJ

Comment:
Will, When you grow up please run for President!
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Name: scott
Date posted: 6/22/2010 12:44:24 PM
Hometown: portland

Comment:
What a smart kid, his folks must be very proud of him!
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Name: Peter
Date posted: 6/22/2010 12:02:49 PM
Hometown: Lewisburg, PA

Comment:
This kid deserves a nobel peace prize. It breaks my heart that that this boy cares so much. He's a shining example to the true human spirit. God bless him in every way.
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Name: David
Date posted: 6/22/2010 11:49:10 AM
Hometown: New York

Comment:
We could all learn a lot from this young man. Hate never defeats hate, but loving-kindness does. He's a very wise kid.

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