Officials: Kluwe Will Be Pride Parade Grand Marshal

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Officials announced Wednesday that popular local athlete and gay rights activist will be the grand marshal at this year's PRIDE parade.

Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, who became a big gay marriage supporter last fall and has been very vocal about his views on gay rights, will headline the parade that marches through downtown Minneapolis. The Twin Cities Pride Festival is typically held in late June, and the parade goes down Hennepin Avenue as thousands attend to rally and celebrate the GLBT lifestyle.

The 2013 parade will be held on Sunday, June 30.

"To me, it's not about being an athlete speaking out about gay marriage or equality. It's about being a human being saying 'It's not acceptable that this huge population of individuals have any less rights than me because they are gay. I am proud to stand with Twin Cities PRIDE as an ally with pride," Kluwe said in a statement.