Dykes on Bikes will lead tonight’s third Auckland Pride Parade, which makes its way down Ponsonby Rd from 7.30pm. It begins at Western Park and travels right down to Three Lamps, in a 90 minute procession. Tens of thousands of people are expected to line Ponsonby Rd for the parade The traditional rev up from Dykes on Bikes will be followed by ‘Te Whanau Uenuku’ which is described as “a Maori world view in association with Drag Kings Aotearoa”. It will also include a tribute to the late Carmen Rupe and Mama Tere. In all, there are more than 50 floats, the majority being community groups. These include Rainbow Families, Genderbridge, Body Positive, the NZAF, NZ Trans Rights Movement, the Charlotte Museum and a lesbian entry called “The Dry Land Swimmers”. Queer Waikato and Rotorua’s Chamber of Pride will also march, as will groups from Whangarei, Waiheke and Raglan. Also marching are police and armed services, while the Fire Service may take part for the first time. The Green Party and Rainbow Labour have floats, while Nikki Kaye and Maggie Barry will represent National. There are also a number of businesses taking part, include Westpac and Coke, and tertiary providers Unitec and AUT. There will also be sports teams like the Falcons and Pirate City Rollers, and an entry from next year’s Asia Pacific Outgames. The forecast suggests there may be some light rain tonight. Find out where the Parade after parties are being held here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 21st February 2015 - 10:27am