I remembered the incredible unity that came out of parades" in San Francisco and Santa Fe. It marked the first anniversary of a confrontation between New York City police and patrons of a gay bar, the Stonewall Inn.Ĭorrea said she decided to organize the parade after she and her friends had been "talking about the lack of events for our community. cities have had gay-pride parades for many years. "Many of my constituents are members of the gay and lesbian community," she said, "And for me to be a part of recognizing the diversity of our community is an honor." Jan Sumrall, an advocate for a proposed gay-rights city ordinance, is the other co-grand marshal. The El Paso City Council on Tuesday declared June 2 Southwestern Pride Day at the request of the parade committee. "We hope to create awareness of the diversity, strength and respectability of local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and organizations," said Jerry Correa, the parade's co-grand marshal. Organizers said the parade will feature colorful floats. Vrain and ending at the Lambda Community Center, a Downtown advocacy and social center for gays and lesbians. today and run along a route starting at Montana and St. The parade, which has been in the works since November, is expected to attract at least 10 gay-rights organizations and 100 to 250 supporters. "It's a first step, but it's a big step in itself." "I'm very excited to see it happening in El Paso," said Genevieve Aguilar, who is on the organizing committee. June 2, 2001, El Paso Times El Pasoans to participate in gay pride paradeĮl Paso's gay and lesbian community is gearing up for the town's first gay-pride parade today.