June 7, 2010
Millions of gays demand rights during Brazil march
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Millions of gays and lesbians have jammed several of Sao Paulo's main avenues for the 14th annual gay pride parade in South America's largest city.
Dancing to music blasting from sound trucks Sunday, they condemned homophobia and demanded equal rights for homosexuals. They also said they would push candidates in this year Brazil's presidential election to support their cause.
A river of gay men, lesbians, cross dressers and even heterosexual couples flowed down skyscraper-lined Avenida Paulista in what is billed as the world's biggest gay pride parade.
Organizers expected about 3.2 million people, but will not release a tally until Monday. Police have not provided a crowd estimate. The event has become a huge tourist draw.
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
