Cleveland Gay Pride Parade 2013: Record Numbers Attended

The Cleveland pride parade took the streets yesterday in a massive show of support which attracted record numbers of people.

This parade comes at a sensitive time, while the Supreme Court is hotly debating the ‘Defense of Marriage Act‘, supporters of gay pride are taking to the streets. It was reported that at least 25,000 people showed up for the pride parade 2013 in Cleveland. Estimates are that there were approximately 3,000 more marchers than last year.

The Supreme courts monumental decision to allow same-sex marriage comes at a time when the Cleveland gay/bi Pride movement celebrate their 25th anniversary. Scores of people lined the streets and it took about an hour to complete the route.

The president of the Cleveland Pride board, Todd Saporito, commented on the pride parade. He said that the combination of the Supreme Court Decision regarding Doma and the fact that the Gay games are slated to be held in Cleveland in 2014: “Are what bought people together.”

The last three years have seen the Cleveland pride parade threatened by rain and this year was no exception. As Saporito said regarding the weather: “I woke up to texts saying ‘It’s going to rain.’ I said ‘no it’s not. Be there'” and thankfully, he was right as the skies cleared for the parade and festivities that followed.

The pride parade didn’t pass without incident though. At the end of the march itself, a religious Christian group dressed like angels and shouted down the parade goers, insulting them for their sexuality. They also attempted to block them from walking further.

Do you think the Cleveland pride parade 2013 was a success? Were you there, or did you know anyone who attended? Are you pleased that the Defense of marriage act is being debated and that same-sex marriage may become legal in some states? Sound off in the comments below.

[Image via CBS local]