Hundreds turn out for annual Reno Gay Pride Parade
Drag queens and transsexuals waved from floats to the crowd as the annual Reno Gay Pride Parade was staged Sunday in downtown Reno.
Police said about 600 to 700 people watched the 11th edition of the parade on Arlington Street.
"It is a big statement for gay pride," participant Glenn Prather of Reno told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "The county is starting to get more tolerant of it."
Some participants said they paraded specifically for Hispanic gay pride.
"We want to let them know that they are not alone because so many gay people feel they are alone," said Nicole Ramirez of Sparks, the reigning Ms. Gay Reno. "This helps people understand that it is OK to be yourself."
It's difficult at times for gays and lesbians to find tolerance in the Reno area, Ramirez added.
"It is difficult for sure, me being transsexual," Ramirez said.
The Washoe County Democratic Party was trying to register voters at the peaceful gathering, said Laura Grotz, publisher of Reno Out magazine and a member of the gay and lesbian Stonewall Democrats.
"The Washoe County Democrats are very progressive and very supportive," Grotz said, adding she has never met any gay Republicans at the parade.