Gay pride parade pays tribute to marriage

If there ever was a perfect parade theme, this was it.

The 34th annual Boston Pride Parade was decked out in white lace yesterday, as thousands took to the streets to celebrate gay marriage. Floats were trimmed with satin bows, white balloons, and paper wedding bells, and carried tiered wedding cakes. Brides and grooms in tuxedos and gowns waved from the back of convertibles, gauzy veils and ''Just Married" signs trailing behind them.

Coming less than a month after same-sex couples gained the right to marry in Massachusetts, this year's gay pride celebration seemed momentous, said observers. Spectators on the parade route called the mood more political and more focused than in past years, and despite the strutting drag queens and blasting disco music, maybe a little more serious.

''There was a point this year," said Adam Musto, 24, of Allston, watching on Boylston Street. ''We can all dress up in beads and boas, but the fact is, this year, social justice came to Massachusetts."

Earlier in the day, hundreds of people packed the Old South Church in Copley Square for an interfaith service during which newly married couples, and those planning to marry, were asked to stand, and treated to resounding applause. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, the openly gay priest whose consecration last year as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire has divided the denomination.

Calling it an honor to preach before ''brothers and sisters in the struggle," Robinson paid tribute to the recent progress made by gays and lesbians. He also addressed what he views as the remaining prejudice in the church.

''What we're celebrating here today is more unnerving to many in the religious establishment than our parade," he said. ''We are worthy to hold our heads high, not just because we decided we are worthy, but because God has proclaimed it."

The bishop urged his listeners to spread the news about their faith, especially to other gays and lesbians who have been ''so hurt . . . this is the last place they would look for healing and wholeness."

''You and I need to come out about God," he said. ''If we don't tell them, who will?"

Dozens of churches were represented in the parade, with members carrying banners touting their ''all-inclusive" status. Honored as grand marshals for their role in the gay marriage struggle were two groups, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and the Freedom to Marry Coalition of Massachusetts. Other marchers included gay rugby players, as well as Boston City Council members, the New England Leather Alliance, and Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who called it a ''glorious day for the gay community."

''We broke down another barrier for the community, and we'll continue to break down barriers," Menino said.

US Representative Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio, a Democratic candidate for president, also joined the festivities, invited by the Boston Pride steering committee.

Kucinich, who is one of two presidential candidates, along with the Rev. Al Sharpton, to endorse gay marriage, said the gay couples who challenged the law in Massachusetts should be lauded for their courage.

''The right to marry ought to be clear, unambiguous, emphatic, and non-contradictory," he told the crowd along the parade route. ''It should not be minimized, given an asterisk, or subject to political sacrifice at political conventions."

Weighty themes shared the stage with wit and glamour. ''Civil Rights and Silver Ware," read one sign in the parade. ''Newlywed Who Votes," said another. One float carried shirtless men dancing under palm trees; another boasted a giant bottle of champagne.

Boston police cited no arrests at the event, which they estimated drew up to 100,000 people, and signs of protest were rare. One opponent, Leonard Gendron of Lawrence, hoisted a large sign with the words ''Homo Sex is a Sin" at the end of the parade route; his shouting was matched by a lively group of students who stood close by decrying homophobia.

Niall Moloney, 38, of Brighton, came to the parade with his partner. They were married in Canada last year, and plan to marry again in Massachusetts later this month.

He said his friends were especially excited about this year's event, and made an extra effort to be there together.

''Being here, it hits you how historic the whole thing is," he said.