Molly Ringwald Will Be Grand Marshall of LA Pride Parade

Actress Molly Ringwald has been named Grand Marshall of this year’s LA Pride Parade

The star of such 1980s teen dramas as Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink was selected for her “long and unwavering support of the LGBT community.” Ringwald currently stars in the TV drama The Secret Life of the American Teenager that airs on cable’s ABC Family.

The 42nd annual LA Pride Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 10. The parade travels down Santa Monica Boulevard from Crescent Heights Boulevard to Robertson Boulevard.

"Molly and crew told our stories in the 80's, helping so many of us dealing with all of the challenges of being a teen," said Sam Borelli, LA PRIDE Communications Consultant in a press statement. "That she continues reaching young people, letting them know that their stories matter, that they are real, is why we chose her during this year of youth empowerment."

In 2008, Ringwald and her family filmed a light-hearted yet poignant public service announcement for the No on Prop 8 Campaign. In the PSA, Ringwald, holding her husband's hand, says, "Same sex marriage has been legal here for months and nothing's happened. I would feel really horrible if two people who loved each other as much as we do couldn't get married."

Also in 2008, Ringwald began playing the mother of the title character on The Secret Life of the American Teenager, teen soap opera that has dealt with issues of coming out, teenage sex and teen parenting. Her character on the show is rumored to be coming out as a lesbian next season.  

Ringwald’s upcoming second book, When It Happens to You: A Novel in Stories, includes one story about a six-year-old transgender boy.

Figure skater Johnny Weir served as Grand Marshal for 2011 Pride parade, while mother-daughter reality stars Sharon and Kelly Osbourne shared the honor in 2010.