Happy Vancity Pride Bitches!

Over 500,000 people descended on the West End in downtown Vancouver for the 31st Annual Gay Pride Parade. One of the largest in North America, the parade caps off Pride Week festivities celebrating the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgendered community.

This is only my third year going to the Parade. Normally the weather sux and apparently I am fair-weather supporter of the GLBT community. But it was 25 degrees & sunny in Vancity, and friends had secured a fantastic spot on the curb at the start of the parade.

Lots of very attractive gay-boys in their underwear, trannies dressed to the nines, political parties (with the noticeable exception of the Conservatives, who have not had a float for about 18 years or so), Dyke's on Bikes, Old and not so old Queens melting in the sunshine, Religious groups proclaiming that God loves everyone (I guess no-one told the Catholics, who were (not)shockingly absent).

Organisers had some cool grand marshals, most notably Cleve Jones, protege of of the late gay activist Harvey Milk (portrayed by Emile Hirsch in 2008's Milk). In addition, organisers recognised the late Cindy Kampmeinert, Vancouver's first openly lesbian firefighter who spearheaded the Vancouver Fire Department's Participation on the parade in 2002.

Another big change from previous years was the sombre "Moment of Silence" - which this year was categorised by float as opposed to the parade actually stopping for a moment to remember those who had passed. Although the float is probably a lot easier to manage logistically, I liked the notion of everyone - all 500,000 plus - stopping and acknowledging those who are no longer with us.

All in all, it was a hot fun filled 2 hours. As I was with the lesbians, I was the luck recipient of any condoms that were doled out.... now I just need to find someone to use them with..... Most importantly, I found the perfect gift for the man that has everything.... butt-crack waxing - only $8.00 - that is a bargoon!

Happy Pride one and all!

XO