So my sister Marylee came up for a surprise visit this weekend and in between all the tourist-y stuff that you normally do with a 14-year-old visitor I took her to the Capital Pride parade, the annual parade of gays, lesbians and their supporters in the haven of DC's Dupont Circle.
Much different than the pride parades I've seen in the past which are normally attended by the faithful few and their followers, this was an all-American, family oriented event. The mayor was
there marching, as was the DC Delegate to Congress and even a representation of Hillary Clinton (apparently, the LGBT community supports Hillary overwhelmingly because no other presidential candidates were represented).The biggest cheers from the crowd came for the large construction worker float (above), which featured weight lifters and chin-uppers, among others. Christian groups marched in the two-hour-long affair, proclaiming their acceptance and chanting that "God loves you Gay or Straight." Families with gay children, gay couples with adopted children and anti-AIDS marchers also received high praise.
Marylee and I had a great time this weekend and I was sorry to see her go. Next weekend I'm off to New York City for my friend Patrick's bachelor party. The extravaganza will include expensive dinners, more expensive drinking (trust me) and a four-on-four football game in Central Park's famous Sheep Meadows. Stay tuned for more details, but until then here's some more pictures from this weekend.
Marylee at the exorcist steps in Georgetown.
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