Lepore to be chief of parade
World-famous transsexual icon Amanda Lepore will be this year’s Chief of Parade.
Lepore is arguably the world’s most famous transsexual, becoming one of the most recognised and respected celebrities in the US.
Often performing naked and never taking herself too seriously, she rose to fame as the muse of photographer David LaChappelle.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be invited to be Chief of Parade,” Lepore said.
“I cant wait to be a part of the Mardi Gras and celebrations of our community.”
Born Armand, Lepore began a sexual reassignment process at a young age, taking hormones and by the age of 17 had sexual reassignment surgery through a legal loophole.
After various photoshoots with influential photographer David LaChappelle and strong presence in the New York party scene, particularly Michael Alig’s “Club Kids”, she has become a recognisable face worldwide.
A New York resident, she continues to host the city’s biggest club nights, boasts a singing career including albums such as 2007’s “My Pussy” and has been the face of brands such as MAC Cosmetics, Heatherette and Swatch.
She’s appeared in Playboy in 2008 and gives her time to support AIDS charities such as DIFFA.
Lepore will lead the floats as the Mardi Gras Parade ascends Oxford St Saturday February 27.
“We’re delighted to have Amanda Lepore leading this year’s Parade,” New Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik said.
“She’s the perfect choice. Mardi Gras is about raising community visibility, and her pride in being an iconic transsexual epitomises that.”
She is a legend ,her journey of self growth we can all learn from , be who you truly are and dont let anyone tell you that you can’t be .We should be so very proud and honored that she is returning to sydney.
she alone will put our Sydney Mardi Gras on the world media stage and map , hollywood paparazzi and all its circus.
What an affront to have this person lead the parade – time for ordinary gay folk to stand up to this nonsence.