She’s Bisexual And Jewish — And The 101st Rose Bowl Queen!
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
Louise Deser Siskel
(JTA) — Louise Deser Siskel, a high school senior who will preside over the New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade, says she is the first Jewish Rose queen in the parade’s 101-year history.
Siskel, 18, also told the local media that she is the first LGBTQ queen and the first queen that wears glasses, though none of these firsts have been officially verified.
“What was important to me throughout the interview process was that I was completely transparent about who I was, about the things that I value, and about the things that I advocate for,” she told the Pasadena Star News in an interview last week.
“I feel lucky that I was selected by the committee for those reasons. That, to me, gives me great faith in the organization and a great amount of respect for the committee,” she said.
Siskel, of San Marino, California, is a member of Pasadena’s Sequoyah High School debate team and judicial committee, is involved in YMCA Youth & Government, and has researched breast cancer at The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, as well as worked on research projects funded by NASA Ames. She plans to study cellular and molecular biology in college.
She said the tournament organizers give her and the rest of the seven-member court “a real voice; for that I feel very thankful.”
They will have made more than 100 appearances as ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses since they were chosen in October through New Year’s Day.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
