The 5th Annual Gay Pride Parade took place in New York City on June 29, 2008.
The parade, which is officially called the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride March drew tens of thousands of people that are gay or follow alternative lifestyles to Manhattan's Fifth Avenue.
The parade featured floats, marching bands, stilt walkers and a lot of colorful outfits.
New York Gov. David Paterson took part in the march. He supports full marriage benefits to same sex couples that were legally married elsewhere. Same sex couples can't legally marry in the State. Needless to say, his participation in the event and his support of gay and lesbian community impressed many.
City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said "What he did ... sends a message that leadership isn't about waiting. It's about finding the opportunity. It's about finding the way to move progress and civil rights forward."
Michael Bloomberg, NYC Mayor and Sen. Charles Schumer also marched at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride March, so support from elected officials is strong in the Empire State and many hope that it won't be long before same sex marriages are recognized there.
Currently only California and Massachusetts recognize gay marriages.
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