500 march in gay pride parade
There was a sense of surprise, amazement and amusement from the 3,000 or so residents and visitors as they watched the colourful lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parade march through the streets amid a flurry of rainbow flags, feather boas, outlandish outfits, dance routines and raucous floats.
Organisers of the first Cornwall Pride Festival said up to 500 people took part in Saturday's trouble-free event.
Parade chairman Christian Diamont said the only sour note to the event was a silent protest by up to 50 Christians, who turned their back on the parade.
He said: "It's been absolutely wonderful. I would never have imagined so many people would turn up. I'm overwhelmed.
"The support we've received has been fantastic, including local businesses and the police, who have been amazing."
The Police LGBT Federation was even allowed to fly its flag on Truro's police headquarters for the duration of the festival.
Mr Diamont, who owns Bar Qdos in the city, said all 500 tickets for the evening music event in Truro's centre had sold out in no time.
The parade started with a rallying call of drums and whistles before a 20m x 5m rainbow banner, donated by Bournemouth Pride, was unfurled.
A groups of kilted men opened the parade behind a banner which read "Gay Gordons". They were followed by an eclectic mix of flag-waving marchers wearing slogan-branded T-shirts including "I'm Diverse".
Two floats adorned with heart-shaped balloons and carrying skimpy-dressed men and women dancers rolled on, closely followed by a handful of elaborate drag queens and members of trade unions Unison, PCS and CWU.
Parade hostess Nikki Marlow, who lives in Truro, said: "It's important to raise awareness with people that we are all human beings and celebrate Cornwall's diversity."
Walter Penford, a 23-year-old nurse from Truro, was dressed as a silver and glittery fairy. He said: "I'm taking part because I'm proud of who I am. We get a lot of stick from different people, especially the younger ones who don't understand us. It's a chance to be together."
Lainy Leake, from Camborne, said a lot of gay and lesbian people in Cornwall had not attended the festival because of the stigma attached to homosexuality.
She said: "There is a lot of homophobia still in Cornwall and a lot of them will have been scared. If the event is successful, they will probably come out of the woodwork next year."
Overall, the event was welcomed by locals and visitors alike.
London tourist Selah Romerin said: "It's just harmless fun. It's important for the community to have this event and celebrate their differences. It brings people together."
Lesbian mother and community worker Sarah Mayes, from Camborne, said: "Cornwall is always 10 years behind the rest of the country, but it's great it's happening."
Drag queen Christopher Preace said: "I just wanted to be counted. It's about having fun."
St Austell resident Mo Watson, agreed: "Why not? They're not hurting anyone."
Retired sea merchant John Tozer, from Truro, said: "I do admire their guts for putting on a show like this."
However, Cornwall's first Gay Pride Festival did not sit well with everyone.
Trader Roger Olver, from St Stephen, said: "If that's what they want to do, fine. I don't understand the need for a parade."
David Pyke, from the Truro Evangelical Church and one of the many Christian opponents to the event, said homosexuality was a sin in the eyes of God.
He added: "We're Christian and we love God and this country. Why have a gay parade when it's a sin? Why not have a parade for adulterers or thieves and other sinners?
"This is a family town and young people will be horrified with this."
The Rev Peter Ninnis, also from Truro Evangelical Church, was one of the 50 people who locked arms across one street and turned their back on the parade.
He said: "We are turning our back on them because we love God and this is not good."
Gay activist Chris Stoddern, from Truro, launched a tirade at the Christian group, calling them hypocrites. He said: "All these people who call themselves Christians are being very hostile.
"The people taking part in the parade are very brave. So much for the love of mankind and the love of God. This is so upsetting."
PC Simon Hill, coordinator for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary's Gay Police Association, said: "It's disappointing to see not everyone can embrace the diverse community that we have."
But organiser Mr Diamont said: "I'm elated it's gone so well."
