Palm Springs Pride Festival Kicks Off

Thousands are out in Palm Springs showing their pride. It’s the second annual pride festival and parade this weekend. More than 20,000 people are expected for the 2 day event.

Hundreds made their way through the Palm Springs Stadium Saturday for food, music and shopping.

Groups also passed out information about services and issues for the gay community, including the fight for gay marriage in California.

Many are fighting for the legalization of gay marriage. They believe the issue will soon be on the desk at the Supreme Court in the near future. Proponents hope that Prop 8 – which is banning gay marriage – will be overturned.

Festival goers also discussed the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, banning openly gay men and women from serving. The repeal is on hold after a federal appeals court granted a stay last month.

President Obama has said he wants the policy ended, but prefers it to be repealed by Congress. Some say it’s critical the President ends the ban himself before he’s up for reelection.

As for the festival, the fun times continue Sunday, with the Pride Parade set to start at 10 a.m.