An Aberdeen-born soap star is set to lead a new LGBT event to celebrate diversity in the North-east.
Hollyoaks actress Annie Wallace has said she feels “privileged” after being asked to take part in Grampian Pride next May.
The entire length of Union Street is to be turned into a colourful parade route for the event, which will get under way on Saturday, May 26.
It’s thought this will be the largest ever march for Pride through the city and it is expected to attract thousands from across the UK.
Annie, who plays Hollyoaks High’s head teacher Sally St Claire in the soap, was raised in Aberdeen.
The star, who was the first transgender actress to be nominated for a BAFTA award, said: “I’m beyond excited to not only be asked to speak at Grampian Pride but to lead the Pride Parade through the city, it’s an incredible honour and I’m very privileged to march with LGBT people from my hometown, standing up for equality and calling out discrimination.
“It’ll be a fabulous day celebrating equality and I hope everyone comes out to join us in the march.”
Since starting at Hollyoaks in 2015, Annie has been listed in the Rainbow List, Pride Power List and the Diva Power List, as one of the country’s most influential LGBT people.
“This year, she was nominated as LGBT+ Celebrity Rising Star in the British LGBT Awards, and was once again included in the Pride Power List.
Grampian Pride is being organised by a team of more than 30 volunteers, with several organisations and charities involved to make it happen, including Grampian Regional Equality.
The event is co-chaired by trans activist Justine Smithies, from Cruden Bay, a Stonewall Diversity Role Model.
Justine said: “We have some big ambitions to bring back Pride to the North-east of Scotland after an absence of over 10 years – just look at how the world has changed and how Scotland has changed in that time.
“Although we’re one of nearly 130 Pride events across the UK, we’re the most northerly Pride.”
It’s expected Grampian Pride will need to raise more than £30,000 to stage the event.
Justine added: “We’re already in final talks with a number of big businesses who are really behind what we’re planning in the city, but we’re always keen to hear from other companies as well.”
Help support quality local journalism … become a digital subscriber to the Evening Express
For as little as £5.99 a month you can access all of our content, including Premium articles.
Subscribe