According to the Manchester Evening News, ITV bosses have
confirmed they are to enter a float in this year's parade which
celebrates queer culture in the city.
The news comes just weeks after critic Brian Sewell claimed the
long-running series has an excessive number of lesbian, gay and
bisexual storylines. The show also features a long-running trans
character.
Most notably, it recently garnered particular attention for its
lesbian storyline featuring Brooke Vincent, who plays teen lesbian
Sophie Webster in the show.
She told the MEN: "I had an absolute ball last year and think
it's a great chance to come together in an awesome city like
Manchester and celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
life. It's fantastic that Coronation Street is supporting Pride yet
again and I'm very
proud to be portraying a lesbian character on screen.
"Hopefully it will go some way towards making people realise
there is nothing in any way wrong with being gay. You're born who
you are!"
Clare Wade, second assistant director at ITV, said: "For the
second year running Coronation Street and ITV are supporting
Manchester Pride.
"It is a privilege to be the lead float in the parade again this
year and it is a symbol of how we at ITV wholeheartedly and proudly
support diversity not only in the workplace but everywhere."
Manchester Pride's Big Weekend takes place from Friday-Sunday
(bank holiday weekend) and features Sugababes, Alexandra Burke and
Pixie Lott.
