Millions stage gay parade in Sao Paulo

An estimated three million gays and lesbians paraded down the main avenue of Brazil's business capital Sao Paulo on June 10, showing their pride in a blaze of color and festive music, organizers said. "We want people to address machismo, racism and homophobia... which still exists in Brazil," Nelson Matias Pereira, president of the parade told the official news agency Agencia Brasil, adding that many families took part. A police estimate was unavailable, but nearly 900 officers were on duty to help maintain order. On a five-day visit to Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic country, Pope Benedict attracted less than one million to listen to his calls to reinforce traditional family values. During the parade, bands played on 23 "trios eletricos," or huge trucks, with their music blasted from massive loudspeakers. The parade received official backing for the first time. Brazil's ministers for Tourism and Sport, Marta Suplicy and Orlando Silva, attended the parade. The governor of Sao Paulo state, Jose Serra, and city mayor Gilberto Kassab were also there. Sponsors included Brazil's state energy company Petrobras and the state-owned Caixa Economica Federal bank. The parade is seen as a major cash cow, attracting large numbers of Brazilian and foreign visitors, who boost the receipts of hotels, restaurants and shops.