Gay pride draws thousands

      Thousands of men and women streamed into Sunset Park Saturday for the 14th Annual Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival, with the theme, "Equality Through Visibility."
      "Let's hear it ... 10 days ago, it was 'Ellen,' " announced one entertainer in reference to the coming out of comedian Ellen DeGeneres on her network television show.
      Though a brief cheer ensued from the crowd, the party, expected to draw more than 10,000 people at $8 to $10 each, was fairly low-key.
      Couples, singles and families with children sat on blankets listening to music, drinking beer or milling around the more than 100 vendors who hawked everything from T-shirts and religion to leather and vacation packages.
      Mr. Gay Pride, Ken Tomory, and Ms. Gay Pride, Tasha Hill, remember much smaller celebrations in years past. Though homosexuality has become more accepted in recent years, Tomory said, the annual event is important.
      "We need to show people that we're not like the stereotypes," he said. "I think it's very important for people to know we're regular people."
      The celebration also helps gay men and lesbians having problems with their sexuality to learn acceptance, Tomory said. "There's a lot of self-hatred out there."
      And there is still fear. Two middle-aged men, friends who were in a romantic relationship four years ago, said they feel comfortable about being open in Las Vegas. Yet when asked to give their names, both refused.
      "I'm just starting a new job," said one.
      "I'm in management" said the other.
      Holly Lee, known in the gay community for selling Tupperware when she's not doing her full-time job of selling trade show exhibits, noted the gay pride celebration was picketed in the past. But demonstrators weren't in evidence Saturday, and Lee attributes that to consistency.
      "We're out here every year, and society's acceptance level is changing," she said.
      Singer Cindi Lauper was the grand marshal. Lauper had a Top 10 hit in 1984 with "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."
      The celebration wrapped up at 9 p.m.