New York Pride attracts over a million spectators and a very special guest

Governor David Paterson shows his Pride
(Photo: James Estrin, NYTimes)

It was a heck of a day here in NYC yesterday for the 39th Annual Gay Pride March, with a dozen or so impressive thunderstorms soaking the revelers but doing little to dampen the spirits of the reported million plus people who turned out for the celebration. My favorite moment of the day was when, after the skies opened up the first time, the gay gospel float in front of us switched their music to "It's Raining Men".

Although I didn't see him personally, the most significant member of the parade was likely Governor David Paterson, who walked the first half, becoming what is believed to be the first New York Governor to march in Gay Pride. Paterson noted to the NY Times that he's been walking in the parade since 1976 with friends, although this year he realizes it has a special significance, given his orders to county agencies earlier this year to recognize same sex marriages performed in states where such unions are legal.

The legally blind Governor had apparently undergone an eye surgery only the day before and was told by his doctors that he shouldn't march, but that didn't stop him from attending the parade and voicing his support of gay rights. I warned Andy that if we saw Paterson I was going to go into a screaming fit (I'm quite a fan), so maybe it's a good thing he didn't make it all the way downtown.

Was this Pride weekend in your hometown? Feel free to drop any stories, pics, and what-not in the comments!