Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo draws millions and gets abused – Video

Millions of gays and lesbians have jammed several of Sao Paulo’s main avenues for the 14th annual gay pride parade in South America’s largest city.

Dancing to music blasting from sound trucks Sunday, they condemned homophobia and demanded equal rights for homosexuals. They also said they would push candidates in this year Brazil’s presidential election to support their cause. As Brazil looks to elect new leaders in October, pride organizers somehow abused and themed this year’s event “Vote against homophobia.”

“We’re bringing a strong theme this year to encourage people to vote for candidates who really are doing something on behalf of LGBT people,” Alexandre Santos, president of the Association of LGBT Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, stated.

Brazil decriminalized being gay in 1830 and discrimination based on sexual orientation was outlawed in 1988. But many rights – including marriage – remain out of reach and violence against LGBT people is on the rise. Homophobic attacks left 198 people dead last year. (Brazil does recognize legal gay marriages from other countries.)

A river of gay men, lesbians, cross dressers and even heterosexual couples flowed down skyscraper-lined Avenida Paulista in what is billed as the world’s biggest gay pride parade.

Organizers expected about 3.2 million people, but will not release a tally until Monday. Police have not provided a crowd estimate. The event continues to draw thousands of tourists every year and has eclipsed Sydney’s legendary gay pride parade as the world’s largest.