Wannabe marching boys have just a few days left to join the Downundergear Marching Boys to take part in the February 16th Auckland Pride Parade. Organiser Mal Hargreaves, himself a past Hero Parade marching boy, says being part of the group is "a hell of a lot of fun" and a great way to meet "some wonderful and diverse people." "Marching also allowed me to express myself, support our community, become comfortable in my own skin and to have a hell of a lot of fun along the way," he says. Hargreaves says the marching routines are "pretty easy to learn although he admits wearing the "very skimpy costume" in public" takes "a little bit of courage!" He says marching boys come from "a myriad of back grounds" including builders, real estate agents, students, gym instructors, accountants, lawyers, and teachers. "Each gives up their time to entertain those attending the parades putting themselves and their bodies out there!" Current marching boy Anthony O'Brien (pictured above, centre) says he was was thrilled "to be given the opportunity to participate in the Marching Boys. It is a great opportunity to make friends and have a lot of fun at the same time." He says it is also a great way to contribute back to "our fabulous gay community."Men interested in joining up should contact Hargreaves before January 31st at: thedownundergearmarchingboys@gmail.com