Sao Paulo Gay Pride Parade draws more than 3 Million

SAO PAULO, Brazil Millions packed the streets of Sao Paulo for what organizers said was the world's largest gay pride parade, dancing and waving rainbow flags in a carnival-like atmosphere to condemn homophobia, racism and sexism.

At least 3 million filled the canyon-like Paulista Avenue, organizers said, surpassing last year's count of 2.5 million.

"This is the biggest parade on the planet," Tourism Minister Marta Suplicy said. "Our city is showing, once again, its respect for diversity.

"In comparison, recent gay pride parades in New York and San Francisco have drawn tens of thousands, and world gay pride day celebrations in Berlin in 2004 attracted between 200,000 and 500,000 participants.

[More pictures after the jump]

Parade organizer Nelson Matias Pereira said this year's participants are appealing for a "world where racism, sexism and homophobia, in all their forms, no longer exist.

"Trucks blasting disco and electronic music rolled through the streets, followed by marchers carrying banners with slogans such as "Dignity for All," and "All Forms of Love Bring Us Closer to God."

"There is no question the prejudice we have suffered for years has diminished a lot," said one marcher, mechanic Sebastiao Pereira Rodrigues, who was wearing black leather shorts and a tight purple T-shirt.

[Source]