Montreal fetes Gay Pride

More than 100,000 people lined the streets of downtown Montreal on Sunday for the city's annual Gay Pride parade.

The parade wound its way eastward from Guy and Sainte-Catherine Streets to the Village, where a dance party capped the celebration.

Organizers say they are pleased with the diverse crowd that came out in support of gay pride.

Monica Paratzo and her partner walked the parade with their two children.

Paratzo said it's important for families like her to be visible "and show that we're here, we exist, and we have happy kids," she said.

The parade also attracted politicians of all stripes.

Liberal MP Justin Trudeau says he's proud to support gay pride.

"Having so many people come from so many different communities and identities come out and celebrate today is really important," said the MP for Papineau.

Montreal Mayor Gérald Tremblay says he's proud to join gay pride celebrations. "It's important to show that Montreal can accept people that have differences," he said.

Kathleen Weil marched in the parade for the first time as Quebec Immigration Minister, after being named to the portfolio last week.

"It's wonderful to be able to just reach out, shake hands and look into people's eyes and see how happy they are to see you as a representative of the government," said Weil. "To feel that they've got our support and that we're there for them, it's a very emotional contact and it's wonderful."       

The 2010 Gay Pride marshals were Kaspars Zalitis and Kristine Garina, human rights activists from Latvia.

Organizers of the events say they're happy with Sunday's turnout, but disappointed with their $75,000 budget shortfall.