Mr. Gay Italia 1997, joins Pomponia, Petunia, and Mr. Gay Italia 1999.  Mr. 1997, 32-year-old Salvatore Ingui (left), hails from Palermo, Sicily, and was outed to his parents after they read about his new title in a local straight newspaper.   Salvatore says his parents are fine with his being gay - "you will always be our son," they told him.

Petunia (left, in polka dots) speaks to the crowd of thousands assembled down the block from the old Roman Colosseum (back right).  When I asked 18-year-old Elisa whether the day's event was a parade or a demonstration, she answered: "it's a demonstration and a parade - a fun demonstration!"

Marchers show the flag in the Piazza Venezia where fascist dictator Mussolini used to speak to the nation.  In the background is the enormous Victor Emmanuel monument, not so affectionately called the "typewriter" or "wedding cake" by Romans.