Hundreds Of Thousands Line Santa Monica Boulevard For LA Pride Parade
WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBS) — Hundreds of thousands of people lined Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood for the 42nd annual L.A. Pride parade celebrating the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
Actress and author Molly Ringwald served as the grand marshal during the event which kicked off at 11 a.m. Sunday on Crescent Heights Boulevard and continued west along Santa Monica Boulevard to Robertson Boulevard.
Ringwald, who plays the mother of the title character in the ABC Family drama "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," was selected for her long and unwavering support of the LGBT communities, which includes an appearance in a commercial opposing Proposition 8, according to Sam Borelli, the L.A. Pride communications consultant.
The Trevor Project, which seeks to end among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth, served as the community grand marshal.
Santa Monica Boulevard from Fairfax Avenue to Doheny Drive, as well as, Crescent Heights Boulevard from Romaine Street to Fountain Avenue and streets one block north and south of Santa Monica Boulevard from Fairfax Avenue to La Peer Drive were expected to be closed through 5 p.m.
Suggested parking areas included east of Fairfax Avenue, the Pacific Design Center, the Kings Road parking structure and the Beverly Center. The need for parking permits in West Hollywood will be waived through 7 a.m. Monday.
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