Next year at this time, DeMarcio Slaughter will be on his first trip to Europe, likely gazing up at the Eiffel Tower, celebrating the mutual 50th birthday for himself and his husband. He’ll be far away from Denver in June, something that hasn’t happened in two decades.
Demarcio has been the volunteer entertainment coordinator and emcee for Denver PrideFest for the past 20 years. If you’ve seen him on stage, you know his talent and his outfits, a series of “absolutely colorful and fabulous” costumes that now have a home in his house, a perfect dress up spot. His hope is that someone else will fill the clothes and his role moving forward.
DeMarcio strutting the stage in one of his characteristic fabulous costumes.
Before he signs off, he has emails to answer, work to do, and that final PrideFest performance on June 29 at 2:30pm. He said it will be an emotional day with his entire family invited, including his 84-year-old grandmother, who will be there to “see her baby do one last stage.”
The emotion, he said, will be coupled with his pride in where he is in life today.
“There's an 11- or 13-year-old DeMarcio who never would have dreamed that this was possible to be in a healthy relationship. I’ve been married for almost 15 years. I have a good job. I'm in a good space in life.”
He said that when he thinks back on those teenage years, a time when so many people struggle, he’s now in a place where he wants to take his happiness to the next stage. “I just want to walk in my path, and I'll continue to support and be helpful where I can, but I'm in a good space just to set down the mic and say thank you.”
He acknowledged that he gets to hold that microphone and “look cute for a minute,” but there are so many people backstage who keep things organized “sane and safe.” He added: “Those folks who've given up of their time to help create a spreadsheet, transportation, lodging, it takes so many folks to make the entertainment aspect happen that the audience may not be aware of, and I would like to say thank you to those who have supported and helped.”
DeMarcio has relied on support and help through the many changes over the years, from the origins of a half-day festival and entertainment following the parade, to the modern-day PrideFest. This year there will be 147 different performers and dancers -- a lot of people to safely manage in and out of backstage and to make sure they're set up for success.
“I never want anyone to look foolish on stage,” he said. “I never want anyone to get on stage and be frustrated and feel like they're not able to give their best.”
He has seen and met a lot of performers over time. He fondly remembered the time he introduced Jennifer Holliday, and the (almost) appearance of Jennifer Hudson, who was nominated for an Oscar and couldn’t attend.
DeMarcio addresses a packed crowd at Denver PrideFest
So many great fun experiences, DeMarcio said. And of course, there are the people in the crowd.
“The audience energy is something that I think I'll miss that the most, just singing and dancing with them and creating a good party experience. There are so many experiences, being on stage with Tiffany, and playing with En Vogue. It's been so cool.”
DeMarcio volunteered his time, but the performers do get paid. He has tried to make sure everyone walked away with a few hundred dollars if possible. Sometimes that envelope of money is handed back to give to someone else or to donate to The Center on Colfax to support the programs.
He’s grateful for the intentional way the organizing team at The Center has put the work into constantly growing and changing the two-day event.
“When I started, there was no conversation about ADA accessibility, a sober area, or ASL interpretation for those who struggle with hearing impairments, and now that is every other conversation: How can we be inclusive?”
He added: “There's something else that might be less crowded than PrideFest, but if you just want to celebrate yourselves, your pride, your loved ones, or those who came before us, this is a great space to do that, a great safe space to do that.”
DeMarcio hosts Center Stage and also performs alongside the slate of dancers, drag artists, and more that grace the stage throughout the festival
He got to see the crowds up close for the first time last year when his husband convinced him to walk around the grounds and see the parade, to see people lined up elbow to elbow – things he didn’t get to see from the stage.
He said he hasn’t always gotten to see the impact he’s had as an emcee and host over the years. But he does recall an emotional note from a young man who said DeMarcio acknowledged him from the stage.
“I said something to the effect of, ‘I like your shirt,’ or, ‘You look really cute today.’ He said, ‘You know, I was feeling so low, and I was thinking of taking my own life, and I came to the festival thinking it was going to be my last hurrah in our community, and you saw me, and you just gave me a compliment from the stage, and you made me feel validated. And I want to live another day because of that.’ That just that ripped through me.’”
He will reflect on that experience and all the years after his final performance. And he will go on rooting for and supporting PrideFest. He said he hopes the event continues to grow and remain a safe place for people from the community to come together, “meet a stranger, and dance with a new friend today. It’s the little things that go a long way. In today's climate, I would encourage individuals to get out of the house for a few hours, come downtown and just radiate in positivity. We all have to go back to work on Monday, so make the most of the Pride weekend and try to have a good time and celebrate.”
About the Author: Linda Kotsaftis
With over 25 years of experience in the broadcast media industry, Linda is an innovative content leader who works to create impactful, engaging, and diverse stories for various audiences and platforms. Linda is the current editor of Front Porch Newspaper and the winner of multiple awards for her work in journalism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and innovation.
Linda has joined The Center as a contract journalist to uplift the stories of Denver Pride through the eyes of our community. Click here to discover more Stories of Pride.