Children of Gay Couples and Church Groups Marched for the first time at Chinese New Year Parade

For the first time, the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance (GAPA) and a broad coalition of supporters featured children of gay couples and church groups at this year's annual, "Chinese New Year Parade" celebration on Saturday, February 11, 2006 in downtown Chinatown, San Francisco. The float featured a 10-ft tree covered with hundreds of red hearts created by children of same-sex couples, two same-sex couples with their children, dogs, and even a white picket-fence! The couples wore traditional, parental attire. They were surrounded by dozens of families, church groups, members of the clergy and marriage equality marchers. Each marcher dressed in festive, red rain ponchos emblazoned with Chinese characters that illustrate support for marriage equality. The music playing from the float included well-known TV family themes such as "The Brady Bunch" and "The Partridge Family."

"In this year's parade, we wanted to reinforce the notion that families take many forms," said Clarence Wong, Parade Organizer. "As we celebrate the Chinese New Year and as we approach Valentine's Day, we wanted to show that everyone deserves the freedom to marry, raise a family, and live a long happy and prosperous life."

GAPA's theme this year is, "Proud of our marriages; proud of our families." Family ties are very important to the Chinese, and this year's float showcased how the Chinese can embrace same-sex couples as part of the global family. Last year's float featured a gay wedding cake.

The San Francisco Chinese New Year celebration originated in the 1860's during the Gold Rush days and is now the largest Asian event in North America as well as the largest parade event in Northern California. This year is "The Year of the Dog: Lunar New Year 4704" and highlights included acrobats and the Golden Dragon ("Gum Lung").

"Many Asian families and religious leaders strongly support gay marriage," said parade organizer Jennifer Lin. "Our coalition supports marriage equality because we believe that same-sex marriage is a fundamental civil and human right. Asians are indeed a progressive community that cares about all types of families."

The parade float and contingent was sponsored by the Gay Asian Pacific Alliance, Pacific and Asian North American Religion Institute (PANA), Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry (CLGS), Pacific School of Religion, Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow and Robin Pugh, Bay Association/United Church of Christ, United Church of Hayward, Gilbert Lee, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Our Family Coalition, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality California, Asian Law Caucus, and the Horizons Foundation.

Special thanks to the over 200 people who marched with us, representing a large coalition that included (partial list): APIQWTC, COLLAGE, CUAV, Equality California, Gay Asian Christians (GRACE), Network for Religion & Justice (NRJ), Our Family Coalition, PANA Institute, Trikone, and various pro-gay church groups.

We also had a dedicated and tireless team of organizers who kept us focused and on schedule. Thanks to Clarence Wong for holding us together. Kudos to the art directors: Arthur Ly and Kek Tee Lim; our carpentry & electrical guru: John Kai; and the float decorating crew: Verlena, Daniel, Oneida, Sunshine, Andy. Our costume designer and liaison to the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce: Jeff Sead. Many thanks to Cristy, Lancy, Stuart and John for adding lots of "heart" to our family tree float.

Much thanks to the volunteer coordinators: Jennifer Lin and Peter Wong. Our foursome of media experts: Stuart, John, Wilson, and Andy Marra (GLAAD). Thanks to the SF Bay Times (Sister Dana and Rink) for their media push and creating "early buzz." Heartfelt thanks to our faith leaders: Rev. Debbie Lee and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kuan. Sincere thanks to our friends, allies and the dozens of marchers from various LGBT-friendly faith-based organizations, LGBT family groups, and other non-profit organizations.