- Title: ITALY: THOUSANDS ATTEND CELEBRATION OF GAY PRIDE 2001
- Date: 9th July 2001
- Summary: (W3)ROME, ITALY (JULY 7, 2001) (REUTERS) 1. SLV PROCESSION MOVING THROUGH STREETS 2. PEOPLE IN HUGE BUBBLE BATH MOVING THROUGH STREETS 3. SLV GAY PRIDE MARCHERS; PEOPLE DANCING THROUGH STREETS 4. PROCESSION ARRIVING AT COLOSSEUM 5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) UNIDENTIFIED GAY PRIDE MARCHER SAYING "Viva gay's day and Viva Gay P
- Embargoed: 24th July 2001 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: ROME, ITALY
- Country: Italy
- Reuters ID: LVA7CLVS5VM50MNLC2R81EAAUIYF
- Story Text: Anyone proud to be gay was in the streets of Rome on
Saturday as thousands of homosexuals, transexuals,
transvestites and lesbians danced their way towards the
colosseum in a celebration of Gay Pride 2001.
Some really pushed the boat out, joining friends in a
huge bubble bath mounted on a truck. Transexuals made the most
of showing everything off, wearing as little as possible.
Most people simply enjoyed their day and danced through
the city's streets in a huge procession that snaked its way
towards the site of ancient gladiatorial battles, the
colosseum.
"Viva gay's day and Viva Gay Pride, it's beautiful," said
on participant obviously enjoying the party.
"I want Italy to acknowledge our rights for marriage and
adoption," said a gay pride marcher who had a moment to think
of some serious issues.
Even the locals were out to watch the fun, grasping their
ice creams and looking on in a bemused fashion.
The marchers were escorted by a heavy police presence in
order to stop any possible violence in the city as a G7
finance minister's meeting took place on the other side of
town. Some of the gay group had something to say to the worlds
leaders in a country that will host a G8 summit in less than a
month.
"I would like globalisation not to be an instrument for
some to become even more rich whilst others become even
poorer," said one marcher.
But as the procession drew to an end it was clear that the
more serious issues would be pushed aside as everyone got set
to party through the night.
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