It’s official! Amanda Lepore will be leading this year’s Mardi Gras parade.

“I’m thrilled and honoured to be invited to be Chief of Parade,” said Lepore in a statement released today. “I can’t wait to be part of the Mardi Gras and celebrations of our community,” she said.

Amanda caused a stir on her first visit to Australia late last year, with a short but sweet appearance and performance at Sydney’s Nevermind.

Of her return visit, New Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik said the New York socialite and party maker was ‘perfect’ for the parade.

“We’re delighted to have Amanda Lepore leading this year’s parade,” said Rolik in a statement today. “Mardi Gras is about raising community visibility, and [Amanda’s] pride in being an iconic transsexual epitomizes that,” said Rolik.

If you don’t get a chance to ride front and centre with Amanda on parade night, the only other chance to get up close and personal with the fascinating Ms Lepore is at Nevermind’s Mardi Bar.

Amanda will be hosting the second week of Mardi Bar, after porn star Brent Corrigan relinquishes hosting duties. Mardi Bar will take over Nevermind on Oxford St from Wednesday, February 24.

Check out our snap gallery of Amanda here.

Watch Amanda getting fierce here: