Transgender advocate Shandi Strong to run for Liberals in Manitoba

Winnipeg transgender advocate Shandi Strong will run for the Liberals in Manitoba's provincial election, set for next spring.

Strong will run in the Wolseley constituency, Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari announced Friday.

"I am so proud our party was able to attract a candidate of Shandi's calibre. She is a strong voice for fairness and equality, and we as a party and I as a leader couldn't be happier to have her join us," Bokhari said in a news release.

Strong, 54, is a transgender woman who has spoken out on LGBTissues.She was the grand marshal in the Winnipeg Pride Parade this year.

Last month, she raised concerns about Halloween costumes depictingCaitlynand BruceJenner.

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In the Liberals' news release, Strong said she "can't wait to hit the doors and share the positive message of progress this party stands for."

Wolseley is currently represented by New Democrat Rob Altemeyer, who has held the seat since 2003.

The Progressive Conservatives have nominations open for candidates in the constituency.

Manitobans will go to the polls on April 19, 2016.