Gary's first Gay Pride parade took place Saturday, June 7, 2008. It drew marchers and spectators from Chicago, Indianapolis, Hammond, LaPorte and Gary. Stretching for three blocks and accompanied by a police escort, the parade also attracted photographers from the news media and a few protesters. Here are some pictures from this historic event.
Tyona Wesley Stitt (in black T-shirt) organized the parade and hand-decorated the T-shirts, which are destined to become collector's items.
Ty Wells (right) marched as the drum major for the Lakeside Pride Freedom Band of Chicago (below), which brought some two dozen marching musicians.
Pixie (in the pink halter) rode in style with her human, Dana Elkins of Hammond. She was there with people from the MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) Illiana of Lake Station.
Diana Cox (left) and Sharon Clowers (right) marched with 4-year-old Savannah Clowers, who excelled at waving to onlookers.
Carla Howe of LaPorte
Juana McLaurin of Gary was there, she said, "representing the Spirit of the Lord."
