The Wildrose owners Martha Manning and Shelley Brothers Join The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan as Grand Marshals in Seattle’s 41st Annual Pride Parade
SEATTLE – Seattle Pride has announced their picks for the power-packed 2015 Grand Marshals list. The Wildrose’s Martha Manning and Shelley Brothers have made the cut, as have The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan.
Seattle’s most notable lesbian space – The Wildrose – has been a Capitol Hill institution among the Sapphic City for over 30 years. The “no frills” bar currently ties with San Francisco’s The Wild Side West as the longest running lesbian bar in America.
“When we began discussing options for 2015 Grand Marshals, there was no hesitation when Martha and Shelley’s names came up on behalf of the establishment so many women know and love here in Seattle. Their hard work, dedication and loyalty to the Seattle lesbian community is apparent, and we wanted to give a little something back,” said Sarah Toce, Seattle Pride Communications Director and member of the board.
Seattle Pride President Eric Bennett added, “The Wildrose is a cherished business that has given the LGBTQ community a safe place to congregate here in Seattle. Current owners Martha and Shelly personify what Seattle Pride identifies as part of the Lifetime of Pride!” [pullquote]“The Wildrose is a cherished business that has given the LGBTQ community a safe place to congregate here in Seattle. Current owners Martha and Shelly personify what Seattle Pride identifies as part of the Lifetime of Pride!”—Seattle Pride President Eric Bennett[/pullquote]
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan are an order of 21st Century nuns, dedicated to the promulgation of Universal Joy and the expiation of stigmatic guilt. They work to raise money for AIDS charities, fight for queer rights and visibility, do safer sex outreach, and strive diligently to maintain their senses of humor – never taking themselves so seriously they forget to have fun.
“The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St Joan give themselves selflessly to the LGBTQ community by raising awareness and money for nonprofits. They demonstrate daily what ‘Service above oneself’ is all about,” Bennett said.
Upon learning of their 2015 Grand Marshal status, Sr. Ophelia Onassis spoke with Seattle Pride on behalf of the Abbey.
“The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan are incredibly humbled to be recognized in this fashion for the work we do within our community,” said Onassis. “We love all of you, and wish all to have a happy and safe Pride!”
The Seattle Pride Parade takes place annually on the last Sunday in June. This year’s Parade will commence on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Visit SeattlePride.org to register your group or find out how you can make the day a success by becoming a valued volunteer.
About Seattle Pride
Seattle Pride is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, WA, whose purpose is to create unity, honor diversity, and achieve equal human rights throughout our region and the world. Seattle Pride is focused on informing and educating the community on LGBT issues through community outreach and produced events, including the annual Seattle Pride Parade, Pride Idol, Pride Brunch, and the Seattle Pride Picnic.
[From a News Release]
