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Source: Supplied
Tomorrow's Auckland Pride Parade will feature members of the Defence Force marching in uniform for the first time.
The Defence Force's Overwatch group - a peer support network for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members - has signed up for the parade.
"I'm sure they're going to be the crowd favourite," event organiser Jonathan Smith said.
Participation from the Overwatch group is a milestone for acceptance of sexual orientation, Smith said.
"I can't say we're the first pride parade in the world to have a defence force marching, but we're definitely one of the very few where they're actually permitted to march in uniform."
The Auckland Pride Festival was one of 22 successful applicants that received funding from ATEED's Major Events Sponsorship for the 2012/2013 year.
The Festival is expected to contribute an additional 7500 visitor nights to Auckland's visitor economy and $784,000 to Auckland's GDP.
The Parade starts at Three Lamps, Ponsonby Road at 3pm and travels the length of Ponsonby Road to end at Western Park.
Click here for details.