Lea DeLaria has been announced as the Grand Marshal at Manchester Pride's Parade.
The Orange Is the New Black actress will lead the LOVE-themed parade, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (August 22-25). Previous leaders include Sir Ian McKellen.
DeLaria 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 actress was the first openly gay comic to perform on American television. She has also appeared in Will & Grace and Friends, as well as starring on stage in The Rocky Horror Show.
Mark Fletcher, chief executive of Manchester Pride, said: "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."
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Other performers across the weekend include Pixie Lott, Foxes, MNEK, Neon Jungle, All Saints, Anastacia and Conchita Wurst.
Brighton Pride aired all 13 episodes of Orange Is the New Black season two as part of the Brighton Pride Arts and Film Festival.
