Gay pride parade a hit in Tel Aviv

Tens of thousands of Israelis marched through the streets of Tel Aviv for the city’s annual gay pride parade.

The event kicked off June 10 at the city’s Meir Park with dancers, singers and speakers. Afterward the parade proceeded through the city’s streets. It culminated with a dance party featuring international DJs at Gordon Beach.

Organizers said that 100,000 people took part in the parade. But according to Agence France-Presse, police put the number at more than 30,000.

Addressing the crowd at Meir Park, Tzipi Livni, leader of the opposition Kadima Party, said there are still obstacles left to overcome for the LGBT community in Israel.

“There are still many teenagers who fear the price of freedom is the love from their parents if they come out to them,” she said, according to Ynetnews.com. “There are parents who are still prejudiced and unwilling to accept their children as they are.” — jta