Organizers Plan for 80K Attending NC Gay Pride Day

Organizers are expecting more than 80,000 people to attend the annual Charlotte gay pride festival and parade in downtown Charlotte.

Sunday's events include a midday parade, a street festival and a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes.

The Queen City event celebrates the Charlotte metro area's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

The Charlotte Pride Parade has more than 20 floats and other entries representing community groups and businesses. The grand marshals are Charlotte City council members Patsy Kinsey and LaWana Mayfield. Another honored guest is Latta, S.C., Police Chief Crystal Moore. The openly gay Moore was fired by a mayor who condemned her lifestyle. Citizens of her South Carolina tobacco town rally to her defense and force her rehiring.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.