It's that time of year when people from Atlanta's diverse LGBT communities nominate one or more grand marshals to lead Atlanta Pride's annual parade. Nominations are being accepted now until May 28.

Atlanta Pride is scheduled for Oct. 13-14 at Piedmont Park to coincide with National Coming Out Day. The parade, the highlight of the fest, takes place on Sunday, Oct. 14.

“Being asked to serve as a grand  marshal is the highest honor that Atlanta Pride can bestow upon someone in recognition for their support of the LGBT community," said Glen Paul Freedman, board chair of the Atlanta Pride Committee, in a prepared statement.

 “We are hopeful that nominations will come from a diverse group of applicants. Individuals from around the LGBT community and our allies are welcome and strongly encouraged to submit a nomination," Freedman said.

To nominate someone, click here to go to the nomination form at the www.atlantapride.org website. After filling it out, email it back to Buck Cooke, managing director of Atlanta Pride, at [email protected] or fax it to him at 866-766-9104. Snail mail is also accepted and can be sent to the Atlanta Pride office at 1530 DeKalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307.

Last year, Atlanta Pride had six grand marshals: Lynn Barfield, Rick Westbrook, Dee Dee Chamblee, Duchess Claud, Paulina Hernandez and Topher Payne.

The prior year, for Atlanta Pride's 40th anniversary, the Atlanta Pride Committee went all out with 120 grand marshals representing three categories of the LGBT movement: education, legislative and community.

The number of grand marshals for this year will be decided on the number of nominations received, say Pride organizers. Those selected will be contacted in early June with an official announcement made in mid-June.

Happy nominating.