As an experience gay parade participant, I compiled a list of those typical characters that I tend to come across in these events. This how to recognize them and some advise on how to handle them.
The opportunist
In every pride parade you will see the politicians who come to say how much they appreciate the GLBT community. Some are important figures who on daily basis fight for gay rights; others are there to promote themselves. The later is most dangerous type of politician. Ladies and gentlemen – those who promise you to change the world will ignore your call in the moment of truth. My tip: ignore or at least, don't take too seriously.
The activist
The political activist can be identified by the t-shirt he or she wears. Usually one with a symbol of a leftist, legalize drugs, green, party. Some will go as far as handing you a sticker that you can throw away nonchalantly, stick on parked cars or on the nearest lamp post.
The hard-core activist will utilize a loudspeaker to yell their party's slogans. This should be rewarded with a cold shrug or a polite-yet-indifferent smile.
Some activists are great looking. If you come across one of those, take their phone number just make sure before you call that there are no demonstrations or some important Knesset speech that day.
Friendly-heterosexual and confused-heterosexuals
Quite a number of straight people participate in pride events. They are either friendly-straights or confused-straights which are actually gays-in-the-closet. The first kind is gay-friendly straights motivated by the call for equal rights and democracy.
Smile to them sympathetically and pray – for all our sakes - they will prosper and breed a news generation of gay-friendly people.
The confused straight are a totally different type of (pseudo) heterosexuals. They are here to "test" the water. Parades are the best time for them to do it without being "accused" of being gay. Some might be willing in experiencing gay sex but, beware! Before jumping into bed with a confused hetero, make sure they are not equipped with a wife and three kids.
The one marching with mom and dad
In every parade you will see the people who came with their parents and I am always touched by it. We all dream of the day our families will accept us whole heartedly. If you see someone you like and his parents are with him, walk over, introduce yourselves and ask for a phone number. This way you will save yourselves with awkward moment in the future when you go meet his folks.
Naturally, there a lot of completely ordinary people in the parade and they are the majority. That is the beauty of these events – they represent all colors of the rainbow of the gay community, its supporters and members. There are men and women, homosexuals and lesbians, bi-sexual, transgender, confused, experienced, married, singles, smart and stupid, good and bad.