Millions of gays march through downtown Sao Paulo, demanding rights in huge pride parade

Millions of gays demand rights during Brazil march

SAO PAULO — Millions of gays and lesbians have jammed several of Sao Paulo’s main avenues for the 14th annual gay pride parade in South America’s largest city.

Dancing to music blasting from sound trucks Sunday, they condemned homophobia and demanded equal rights for homosexuals. They also said they would push candidates in this year Brazil’s presidential election to support their cause.

A river of gay men, lesbians, cross dressers and even heterosexual couples flowed down skyscraper-lined Avenida Paulista in what is billed as the world’s biggest gay pride parade.

Organizers expected about 3.2 million people, but will not release a tally until Monday. Police have not provided a crowd estimate. The event has become a huge tourist draw.