Dear Ruthie said she is thrilled to be named the Grand Marshall for Milwaukee's 2012 Pride Parade. Her advice column, "Dear Ruthie" first appeared in the Wisconsin Light newspaper in 1997, and she began making public appearances across the state shortly thereafter. Her column has since run in InStep newspaper and Outbound magazine and currently appears in Quest magazine under the title "Ruthie's Bitchin' Kitchen."

Ruthie has stood shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Candace Gingrich Jones, Congress Woman Tammy Baldwin, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, speaking on equal rights and Milwaukee's LGBT Community. In addition to countless appearances benefiting statewide HIV/AIDS-related agencies, Ruthie has volunteered her time and talent to organizations such as Gilda's Club of Southeastern Wisconsin, BSTD Clinic, COA Youth & Family Center, Camp Heartland and many others

Through a series of viral videos and presentations, Ruthie helped bring the Gay Softball World Series (NAGAAA-Fest) to Milwaukee in 2009. She was later honored with a Volunteer of the Year award by the Saturday Softball League (SSBL), and in 2010 she was inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame. Similarly, Ruthie appeared in a series of viral videos to promote services offered by Milwaukee's LGBT Community Center. She continues to help SSBL and Milwaukee's LGBT Community Center with fundraising efforts.

Ruthie has appeared in nearly every Milwaukee Pride Parade since 1993. She is delighted to be a part of this year's parade, and she can't wait to see everyone celebrating their pride along the streets of downtown Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Pride Parade will be held on Sunday June 10, 2012 on South 2nd street in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Step off will take place at 2 p.m.

The Milwaukee Pride Parade is always looking for volunteers to help. Get involved by Emailing volunteercoordinator@prideparademke.org .