Organisers of the Gay and Lesbian Pride parade in Perth say the event attracted twice as many spectators and participants as previous years, with more than 60,000 people turning out to watch the parade in its 15th year.
For the first time, police officers were allowed to march behind the official crest and banner of the WA Police Service. Detective Senior Constable Grant Taylor expressed pride in marching as a police officer, stating, 'We're obviously all very proud to work for the department, to be police officers, to work for the community, and obviously tonight we've been allowed to march with the police banner and bring both sides of our lives together and its an unreal feeling.'
The event in the streets of Northbridge featured more than 40 floats and hundreds of marchers. Co-president of Pride, Sue Fisher Hendry, noted that the tone of the event has changed since the State Government introduced equal rights for gay and lesbian people, but emphasised the parade's continued importance in the community.
'It's an opportunity for people to see us at our fun best, our creative best, and also to get a serious message, in a not too serious way,' Hendry said. 'There are a lot of people making a political point on behalf of teachers, a bit of a celebration on behalf of lesbian and gay police.'
