`Celebration of ... who we are'

There were old and young, gay and straight, exhibitionist and clothed. There were gawkers, corporate sponsors, gay bashers and groups endorsing everything from political candidates to cancer awareness to the overthrow of the New World Order to veganism.

But most of all, among those who came to the 24th annual Seattle Gay and Lesbian Pride March and Rally, there were a lot of ordinary folks who came to Capitol Hill to celebrate the event's theme of "Family Reunion" in very personal ways.

There were JoEllen Elliott and Susan Stratton-Elliott of SeaTac, who brought their 3-year-old daughter, Keely, in hopes of meeting some other children who have two moms or two dads. "We want her to see how normal she is, that she's not alone," Stratton-Elliott said.

There were Lew Scheinert and David Green, who have been together for 18 years and just wanted to feel safe walking down Broadway while holding hands.

"It's the one day of the year when we can be in the majority, when we are the majority," said Scheinert, an investor from Bainbridge Island, as he squeezed his partner's hand.

There also was Barbara Eickhoff of Kirkland, who wore rainbow beads and marched with her daughter to promote the organization Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.

"I'm in it for her and for the others," Eickhoff said, as she passed out stickers. "I know five mothers whose gay sons killed themselves because they weren't accepted by their parents."

March organizers estimated that 75,000 people turned out for the event, which, in contrast to years past, was lacking in controversy.

"Fortunately, there's not a lot of local galvanizing issues," said Jim Coburn, co-chairman of the Freedom Day Committee, which organized the march down Broadway and rally in Volunteer Park.

It's a good time to be gay, added George Bakan, senior editor at Seattle Gay News and one of the parade's grand marshals. Candace Gingrich, a lesbian activist and half sister of former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, was the other grand marshal.

Bakan praised the passage of a law in Vermont that allows civil unions between homosexuals and a decision in this state allowing gay and lesbian state employees to add their partners to their health-insurance plans.

Gays, however, still are waiting for passage of a bill named for Cal Anderson, the state's first openly gay legislator, that would add sexual orientation to the state's anti-discrimination laws.

"We have on one hand a stalemate in Olympia, but on the other hand, there's good news in other places and other ways," Bakan said.

Politics aside, yesterday was about the chance for the community to get together and party, he said.

"It's a celebration of people and love and who we are," said Jim Farrell, who was wearing a plastic lei and holding a margarita in one hand and a paper parasol in the other.

He stood in front of a sign that read, "The Aloha Terrace stationary float salutes all tropical fruits."

Nearby, marchers danced to "We Are Family" by Sister Sledge that blared from a passing van.

"It's therapy to undo the shame we all have," said Tim Vercauteren, an accountant who exchanged his suit for a sarong. "It's a reminder of how many people we are and to be together. It's a reminder of how many different people we are."

The march included, as usual, the stereotypical staples - from the Dykes on Bikes motorcyclists in leather get-ups to drag queens in shimmering slip dresses and 6-inch platform heels.

April and Jean Bryan of Everett said they liked the festive atmosphere and diversity, but they wished the march could be more family-oriented. The lesbian couple left their three children at home to shield them from the exposed flesh.

"I'm so tired of the focus on the freaks," said April Bryan. "The Dykes on Bikes - I'd like it if they were followed by straights on skates."

Added Jean Bryan: "It's not everyday life."

Everyday gay life isn't as flashy, they said. It's going to work, making dinner and cleaning the house.