Andrew Rannells Reflects On LA Pride Parade Amidst City’s Darker Reality

Instagram/@andrewrannells

Andrew Rannells, the actor best known for courses in ‘The Book of Mormon’ and ‘Girls,’ somehow found his stint as the Grand Marshal of the LA Pride Parade this early weekend bittersweet. Excited in vibrant celebration of love and acceptance, one could never refute happening in the City with reports of violent crimes and violations. This painful juxtaposition left his mark on Instagram, both inspirational and somber.

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In the accompanying image, Rannells was seen beaming with joy. Atop a rainbow-headlined convertible, waving to the crowds with the dark shades, the entirely unbecoming-lazy black T-shirt, and all-the-smiles-fit-for-Pride, he embodied the odyssey for Pride. He had the energy to let go, but under his breath, he thought, “It’s hard to wrap my head around how both things could be happening at the same time in the same city.” He asked everyone to “lead with love.”

A moment later, the comment section fell into a race between praises, guys relating to their own experiences, and political disdain. “You made my whole day at the parade waving to me, I love you,” said a user. Another user joked about his absence from the Tonys: “Now we know you weren’t at the Tony’s. Happy Pride!” Others grew mad. “Fuck Ice and Fuck Trump,” one wrote, darkly venting on modern-day politics.

Others stayed vigilant on the big picture. A heartfelt comment said, “Life is a test and the answer is Love,” the opinion encapsulating that which Rannells appeared to be advocating. Another fan described how they engaged in a conversation around his post with their kids, discussing the ideology of love as a response to struggle.

Somewhat ironically, the haters were also quick to dismiss his post. One accused Rannells and his followers of being oblivious about police violence, whereas another sarcastically praised how lucky Rannells was that former President Trump didn’t declare the parade a riot-a darkly humorous nod to recent political discourse.

Amidst the raging sea of opinions, one thing remained clear: Rannells’ post hit a sore nerve. Whether it was fans recalling past parades, fellow actors singing his praises, or activists unleashing their fury on him in a just forum, the conversation was more substantive than the event itself.

Ever-optimistic, Rannells ended with a heart emoji-a little touch of love he could hold onto with hope that it would bloom. The expressed opposition-though quite chaotic, combined with sideways mainstream support-show that the message is on the cusp of recency amongst the dizzyingly convoluted world out there.

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So yes, Pride was a party. But for Rannells and his followers, it was also a moment to seriously contemplate what really matters. And judging by the eagerness of the conversation, that contemplation is not going anywhere anytime soon.