Orange is the New Black star and iconic gay actress Lea DeLaria will act as Grand Marshall for this year’s Manchester Pride.
Lea, who has captured viewer’s hearts whilst playing Big Boo in the Netflix hit series, announced that she will have the honour of leading proceedings on August 23.
In 1993, DeLaria was the first openly gay comic to perform on television in America, after which she gained a reputation as a global gay icon.
Mark Fletcher, Chief Executive of Manchester Pride, said: “We’re excited that Lea will be leading this year’s parade through Manchester City Centre. We’ve loved watching her in Orange is the New Black.
“Not only is she an incredible performer but she’s an inspiration for the global LGBT community. We know she’ll bring her unique charm and personality to really get the crowd going and kickstart the parade with a bang.”
Prior to her success on Orange is the New Black, she appeared in numerous television series, including Will and Grace and Friends and had film roles in The First Wives Club, Edge Of Seventeen and Attack Of The Big Haired Lesbians.
She follows in the footsteps of Sir Ian McKellan who lead the parade last year
Lea said: “It’s an honour to be invited to marshal the Manchester Pride parade. I can’t wait to return to Manchester. The girls there are really hot!”
The theme for the 2014 Manchester Pride Parade is LOVE, whether it be to honour the same sex marriage act, or challenge the final pieces of the legislation.
The charity is calling for participants to celebrate and embrace their love with the city.
This year’s parade is expected to consist of around 3,500 people from across Greater Manchester, with almost 100 entries, from small community groups, to large commercial organisations all expressing their support to the LGBT community.
Big names including All Saints, Anastacia and Conchita Wurst will perform in Manchester during the Big Weekend. They will be joined by Pixie Lott, Foxes, MNEK and Neon Jungle.
Image courtesy of Steve Adubato, via Youtube, with thanks
