An estimated three million gays, lesbians and transvestites paraded through Sao Paulo yesterday, three times the number that turned out to see Pope Benedict a month ago. "This is the biggest parade on the planet. Our city is again showing that it respects diversity," said Tourism Minister Marta Suplicy. The Sao Paulo Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transvestites (GLBT) Parade Association said warm temperatures of 31C helped draw more than last year's 2.5 million marchers to Brazil's industrial capital. Military police estimated about one million people jammed into the skyscraper-lined Avenida Paulista, but there were many more in surrounding streets. On a five-day visit to Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic country, Pope Benedict last month attracted less than one million to listen to his calls to reinforce traditional family values. During the parade, bands played on 23 "trios eletricos," or huge trucks, with their music blasted from huge loudspeakers. Marchers, many wearing feather costumes, unfurled a giant rainbow-coloured flag. "I'm proud to parade...here there's no violence only fun," said Jose Alves Filho, a 42-year-old hairdresser. Sponsors included Brazil's state energy company Petrobras and the state-owned Caixa Economica Federal bank. The parade, which was officially sanctioned for the first time, is seen as a major cash cow, attracting some 300,000 Brazilian and foreign visitors, who boost the receipts of hotels, restaurants and shops. A study this year by consumer research consultants Insearch found that Brazilian gays were above-average wage earners and spent 40% more on leisure than heterosexuals. The New Zealand Herald’s picture gallery of the event is on the link below. Related link: www.nzherald.co.nz/multimedia/image.cfm?c_id=6 Ref: News.com.au (m)