A surprise honoree will be on the court of grand marshals at this year’s Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival: Rickelle Williams, city manager of Fort Lauderdale.

It will be her first time serving as grand marshal in an LGBTQ-themed parade.

“I am truly humbled to be chosen,” Williams told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Pride holds such a special place in our community. The Pride Parade begins in Fort Lauderdale, and crosses the rainbow bridge into Wilton Manors, literally and symbolically connecting our region as one. As Fort Lauderdale’s city manager, I’m thrilled to represent and be embraced by our community and share the joy and unity we have in living here.”

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis has never been asked to serve as the parade’s grand marshal, but said he was happy for Williams.

“I’m proud of our city manager being recognized by the Stonewall Pride Committee for her civic work in our community,” Trantalis said. “She’s the first woman of color to serve in that role, an important milestone in our city’s history.”

Williams is married to a man and has two children.

To some, it was puzzling she would be chosen as a ceremonial leader of the parade.

“Why would you pick a non-gay city manager from another city?” said John Fiore, the first openly gay mayor of Wilton Manors. “People will probably raise eyebrows about that.”

The news, announced on Thursday, is already making waves with some in the LGBTQ community, according to Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steve Glassman.

“I’ve been hearing from a lot of people who are quite surprised at that selection and wondering why,” Glassman said. “It’s an unusual choice. Typically city managers would defer to their commission to perhaps take that role in a parade. I would say a lot of people are scratching their heads over this one.”

Jeff Sterling, CEO of Stonewall Pride Inc., could not be reached for comment.

Williams will serve as grand marshal along with drag queen TP Lords; Kal Gajraj, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of CAN Community Health; Tatiana Williams, co-founder and executive director of Transinclusive Group; and Dan Bassett, artistic director of the South Florida Pride Concert Band.

The June 20 parade begins at 8 p.m.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan