Following a controversial decision to revoke her title of Grand Marshal at last year's San Francisco Pride march, Chelsea Manning will receive the honor at this year's event.
In April 2013, organizers of the march announced that Manning would serve as one of the Grand Marshals, but later rescinded the honor after facing a firestorm of criticism from the public. At the time, Manning had not yet publicly come out as transgender and was engaged in a high-profile trial for leaking classified government documents.
This year, Manning will reportedly serve as an "Honorary Grand Marshal" of the parade alongside Ross Matthews and Janet Mock. According to The Advocate, San Francisco Pride's new board president, Gary Virginia, stated that the situation with Manning's nomination last year was "mishandled" and she is being given the title in an effort to “repair a rift the controversy created."
Manning also reportedly released a statement in response to the honor. “As a trans* woman, I appreciate the Pride movement’s significant role in bringing together diverse communities and elevating the public profile of the fight for queer rights," she stated. "I have always enjoyed attending Pride celebrations given the opportunity, and I'm deeply honored to receive this title.”
Following her trial for leaking classified government documents, Chelsea Manning announced her transgender identity and asked for the public's support. "As I transition into this next phase of my life, I want everyone to know the real me," Manning said in a statement. "I am Chelsea Manning. I am a female. Given the way that I feel, and have felt since childhood, I want to begin hormone therapy as soon as possible."
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