6 August 2007

AMSTERDAM (AP) - Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and a large contingent of heterosexuals put on their brightest plumage Saturday, and a rainbow fleet sailed through Amsterdam's historic canals, as the city celebrated its annual Gay Pride festival.

The flotilla and party afterward is one of the biggest of the year in Amsterdam, and one in which the city upholds its reputation as one of Europe's gayest capitals. DJs pump music from ships packed with dancing partygoers, vying for who can put on the best show or provide the most outrageous theme.

Visitors saw dozens of well-muscled men wearing leather thong underwear, cowboy hats, disco glitter, and little else. One of the boats featured a bevy of lesbian Elvis impersonators with pink coiffures. Another boat was led by a ''Queen'' transvestite in fantastic royal regalia; in another, lesbians in bikinis with fairy wings danced wildly; and in yet another, a ''mixed'' group of party people dressed all in white appeared the model of affected sophistication.

For the first time, a designated ''hetero-boat'' was among the more than 70 vessels officially participating. Hundreds more cruised the canals just for fun.

News reports estimated a record-breaking 375,000 to 500,000 people lined the canals to watch the boats pass, basking in the first warm weekend since summer started.

''It's so much fun, it's better than in Cologne, Paris or anywhere else,'' said Janz Froster, who travelled from Germany to attend. ''I think it's a great opportunity to promote tolerance and anti-discrimination.''

The party took place in the shadow of a spate of gay-bashing attacks this year, which has surprised a city renowned for its tolerance.

''Social acceptance of homosexuality is not complete,'' said Tijn Elferink, spokesman for the country's national gay organisation, COC.

''Gay people still can be beaten up, just like that, for holding hands or being in the wrong place at the wrong time,'' he said.

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