More than 90 groups marched and danced down René Lévesque Boulevard.
The toned, tanned men and the drag queens thrilled the curious, but there were also gay men in business suits, men who say they've succeeded in life and have shaken gay stereotypes.
Al Pageau, who was visiting from Texas, says he's happy more mainstream gays and lesbians are participating. "It's very smart because there's a lot of money with the gay and lesbians," he says.
Parade is a money generator
In fact, the parade generated $21 million for the city, which is the third most lucrative event after the Jazz Festival and the Grand Prix.
Some people regret the parade is still seen by many as being about spandex and glitter. "We still are the show for people. We're like monkeys in cages," says Dianne Hefferman of the Quebec Lesbian Network.
