30th annual Gay Pride March held

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Thousands of men and women marched Saturday during the 30th annual Gay Pride March in the city of Northampton.

The Gay Pride March reached a milestone with one of its largest turnouts. It appeared there were as many people cheering the marchers on as there were in the line of march.

Jane Fleichman told 22News she had been one of the organizers for the first Gay Pride March 30 years ago.

“I can't believe how long it's been. We had between 25 and 30 people. People marched with paper bags on their heads. There were just a few of us, it was a very radical thing to do,” said Jane Fleishman.

The Pride march through the center of Northampton enjoyed solid support from the straight community as well.

“We have very close friends, our best friends in the world are gay, my wife has two first cousins she loves very dearly who are gay and we want to show our support for them,” said Peter Massa of Leverett.

Parade organizer told 22News so much has changed since their first Gay Pride March 30 years ago.