PRIDE ROUNDUP
San Francisco's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Parade rollicked through the heart of the city Sunday, propelled by bare-chested Tinkerbells, grinning politicians and fresh optimism born of a landmark legal triumph just days ago. And for the first time in a long time, they could crow about major victories. A domestic-partners bill is coursing through the California Legislature, on June 10 a Canadian court legalized gay marriage, and last week the U.S. Supreme Court struck down criminal prohibitions on sodomy. SF Gate
Unprecedented hundreds of parents pushing strollers joined San Francisco's celebration. Grand marshal was 15-year-old Marina Gatto, who has two moms. "She's beautiful, articulate and wise," says mom Ramona Gatto. "All people used to see 10 years ago was the flamboyant gays and women without tops. But now we're a community with families, and that's who we are, too. It's these amazing kids who are the products of our lives." Tri-Valley Herald
In New York, the city where it all began, parade grand marshals and Broadway stars actress Cherry Jones and playwright Terrence McNally embraced the political nature of the event, with Jones holding aloft a copy of Friday's New York Times, which carried a banner headline on the Supreme Court decision, drawing cheers from the crowds. Boston.com
In Berlin, 400,000 people turned out for the city's 11th annual parade, under the motto "Acceptance Instead of Tolerance." The German capital's celebration is called Christopher Street Day, in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Inn uprising, marking the start of gay rights in the United States. CNN
A few brave men turned out to march under a rainbow flag in Kolkata for India's first Gay Pride celebration. The gay community remains hidden because of social taboos. "We are trying to prove that we are not alone in this world," said one participant. NDTV.com
In contrast, fear of SARS and threats of bad weather didn't keep 12,000 people and dozens of floats from making their way from Church Street, in Toronto's gay neighborhood, into downtown. Near the front of the pack were a bunch of white limousines, carrying newlywed same-sex couples who tied the knot earlier this month. CTV.ca
In Paris, the thousands of Pride celebrants were joined for the first time by a representative of President Jacques Chirac's conservative party. "I have been a militant for gay rights for a long time, so it was natural that I be the first person to represent the UMP at this march," said Jean-Luc Romero, the party's gay national secretary. With him was the city's gay mayor, Bertrand Delanoe. Sky News
Orlando's parade was led by comedian and writer Bruce Vilanch. Rainy weather didn't dampen anyone's spirits. "We are legal," read a simple sign on white posterboard in black marker. Orlando Sentinel
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