Gay Pride Festival Gets Political

SAN FRANCISCO, Jun. 24, 2007 (KGO) -- Today hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of San Francisco, in a celebration of gay pride. The 37th Gay Pride Parade is being marked this year by its growing acceptance into mainstream political culture.

Marine Sgt. Eric Alva lost his leg in Iraq, then decided to come out as the first gay war hero to be grand marshal of the pride parade. Episcopalian bishop Marc Andrus is the first bishop to march with the LGBT Episcopalians.

Bishop Marc Andrus, Diocese of California Episcopal Church: "It's my responsibility to be the bishop to all the people here."

And former Alaska senator, Mike Gravel, is the first presidential candidate to participate.

Sen. Mike Gravel, (D) Presidential Candidate: "Hey this is civil rights. They have a right to be what they are and nobody should impair that right and no government is entitled to do it."

It may be a sign that some strides are being made in the acceptance of gay life, but it's still a political hot potato, especially in the presidential race.

John Edwards says he still struggles with the gay marriage issue but his wife spoke today at a gay pride event. She says she's here on a fundraising mission and was asked to speak at the pride event.

Elizabeth Edwards, John Edwards Wife: "I don't know who decided that this was the first time a presidential spouse or candidate had been here. It's not something we knew or was part of the calculation. We didn't think we were making some bold statement."

Experts say it would be political suicide to march in a gay pride parade. Mrs. Edwards did not. But senator gravel is willing to take that chance.

Sen. Mike Gravel: "I'll tell you the whole gay marriage issue: ten years from now will be a non issue. And it'll be the crazies over in the corner who cannot reconcile themselves to other people having real freedom. "

Gravel, however, is considered a dark horse in the race; one of the least recognized candidates who is looking for a way to stand out.

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