Pride Parade has carnival feel, despite rain
September 29, 2012
By Cliff Bellamy
http://www.heraldsun.com/view/full_story/20316829/article-Pride-Parade-has-carnival-feel--despite-rain-
PHOTO: The Herald-Sun | Christine T. Nguyen
Olivia Asner of Fayetteville takes shelter from the rain before the start of the North Carolina Pride parade on Saturday, September 29, 2012. "The outfit represents how proud I am to be part of the gay community," said Asner, who is transgender.DURHAM – The ground on Duke University's East Campus was muddy and slippery, and a steady rain fell on Saturday's 28th N.C. Pride Festival. However, when Durham police officers sounded their sirens and revved their motorcycles, a cheer went up from those gathered at the corner of West Main and Campus Drive. With the police escort and an eight-foot-tall Marilyn Monroe look-alike on stilts at the front of the line, the 28th annual N.C. Pride Parade got under way.
The vote approving Amendment One and election-year politics were on the minds of the parade spectators and participants. "We lost the battle but our fight is not over," read a sign on one of the parade floats. Another asked, "Liberty and justice for '
'"
Even with Amendment One, a carnival atmosphere pervaded the parade, despite the rain.
At the end of the parade, former Village People singer Jones, in cowboy garb, took pictures with fans and handed out business cards. He was scheduled to perform "YMCA" later in the afternoon. Jones, who is from North Carolina, said he was disappointed in the Amendment One vote, but expressed love for his home state and country. "I love the people of North Carolina. I have ultimate faith in the people of the United States of America," Jones said. "I think ultimately the heart of everyone in the United States ... wants every human being to have a fair opportunity and a fair chance."
