“I am deeply grateful to the LGBT Network for the incredible honor of being selected as a Grand Marshal for this year’s Long Island Pride. Long Island Pride is a special event that brings our community together to celebrate but it’s also a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the battles still to be fought. I’m humbled to stand alongside such resilient fighters and reaffirm my unwavering commitment to championing the LGBTQ+ community in New York State and beyond. Together, let’s forge ahead with courage, compassion, and unwavering resolve. As I have done for many years, I look forward to being at this year’s Long Island Pride celebration.”

Tamika has been a police officer for 24 years. She started in the 9/11 class and worked NYPD for 9 years. In 2010 her career with Suffolk County Police Department began. she patrolled the 1st precinct for 4 years, transferred to the 4th precinct and in 2017 was promoted to detective. In 2021 she was promoted to sergeant and became the 2nd black female sergeant in Suffolk county police history. In 2023 she was promoted to Detective Sergeant and transferred to Special Victims Section. Tameka is the 1st black female detective sergeant in Suffolk County Police history.

Upon its launch in 2008, the Long Island Gay Men’s Chorus embarked upon a mission of channeling the unifying power of music to entertain audiences, affirm the contributions of Long Island’s LGBTQ+ community within our greater society, and foster a welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals to be their authentic selves and explore their diversified interests.Now concluding its 16th concert season, LIGMC is enjoying a new era of strength and camaraderie thanks to a rekindled interest in LGBTQ+ issues and participation in the performing arts after the COVID-19 pandemic.