Gay Pride Parade in Puerto Vallarta
And another glittering Gay Pride Parade floats away into the sunset. Every year is bigger and better than the year before. This year takes the record however, on the late start time… two hours. I don’t know how that affected the block party that was to start at 6 pm when the parade was supposed to be over, but it had just begun. As they say, not my circus nor my monkey.
Three of us, Sharon, Brenda, and I, sat, ate, drank, waited, drank some more, ordered more food, and waited at a nightclub on the Malecon. Ringside, to be sure. We were in touch with Sylvie Scopazzo and Lydia Damato, who, as Vallarta’s designated Dykes on Bikes, traditionally lead the parade. At the publicized start time, they were having a bite to eat at Captain Don’s. So, no hurry.
The parade took a good 90 minutes from the time Sylvie and Lydia stopped in front of us to pose for photos, have a beer, and a couple of hugs before they rode on. They were the first of many friends who rode, drove, walked, and danced the route, tossing trinkets, chocolate bars, and candies as they passed.
As he always does, Kevin Anthony abandoned the company ship (float!) and ran up to me and Sharon for hugs before returning to Ryan Donner and Associates double-decker bus. Derek Carkner waved a flag, and Kim Kuzma ran alongside, dispensing goodies.
Mike Owens walked behind his extremely successful bar – Studs – float they shared with Casa Cupula. Thanks for the hug, Mike! Mama Tits was onboard throwing trinkets! Caught’ em, thank you.
Sebastian Coronel and Woody Fox from Boys on Fire wanted a photo snapped, and I was too happy to oblige! Same with Jet De La Isla, who rode in the back of his Naked Beach Tour Boat.
Gorgeous floats by The Blue Chairs, Anonimo, The Social Club, Industry Night Club, Paco’s Ranch, and Frida’s 4.0. Preceding the latter was John Car, who won the search for Frida a month ago or so, which Tricia Lyman and I chose. As Frida 4.0 owner Tom Finley promised, The Dress was spectacular, and John was perfectly regal in it.
Lots of beer and good tequila were consumed on the route, some even by people watching the parade. The dominant pattern, the color spectrum that has become the Gay Flag, flew proudly overhead and was worn as capes, skirts, dresses, shirts, and backdrops for everybody else.
The biggest, snappiest fans were clearly from Mantamar – turquoise teal – and hot pink from The Tryst. Perfect!
There will be hundreds of tired feet today. Blessings to all the queens who walked all those kilometers in spike heels. Your legs looked fabulous the whole time, and that’s all that really matters.
For the first time in her 25-year career, Miss Conception is in Vallarta for Pride. There MIGHT be a ticket or two left for her show tomorrow. I will see you at The Palm.