A Day to Be Proud : Parade: Gays and lesbians from throughout the Southland jam the streets of West Hollywood for the 25th annual celebration.

In spike-heeled gold boots and a swirl of yellow and green feathers, Euri Oliveira danced down the street, fluttering a plumed fan in front of his skimpy sequined bikini--what there was of it--decorated like the flag of his native Brazil.

Preening and posing for snapshots, the tall, lanky Oliveira clearly relished the attention at Sunday’s 25th annual Gay and Lesbian Pride Celebration in West Hollywood.

But for some revelers, his flashy carnival costume was just a sideshow--a distraction from the goal of promoting, enjoying and celebrating Southern California’s homosexual community.

“What we see are the transsexuals, the transvestites, the queens, but that’s not really what we’re about,” said Long Beach resident Rachelle Armstrong, 29.

The yearly festival, she said, should emphasize gay freedom, because “it’s the one time we get to express ourselves without fear of violence.”

About 200,000 parade participants and spectators took advantage of that opportunity on a hot, hazy afternoon.

The two-day festival drew a diverse crowd: Sheriff’s Department recruiters and psychics catering to gay men. Smith Barney financial advisers and a drag queen in a see-through flapper’s dress. Kids in strollers clutching balloons and men wearing kilts and metal-studded leather collars.

And, of course, politicians--Assemblywomen Sheila J. Kuehl (D-Santa Monica) and Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), Los Angeles school board member Jeff Horton and Mayor Richard Riordan. Plus scores of anonymous activists hoisting yellow placards demanding “Freedom to Marry” for gay couples.

“There are more people than ever and it’s better than ever,” said Sean Chandler of West Hollywood, who was wearing colored “pride-bead” necklaces over his T-shirt.

Sponsored by the nonprofit group Christopher Street West, the festival commemorates a June, 1969, raid by New York City police on a homosexual hangout known as the Stonewall Inn.

That incident launched the modern gay rights movement--and a series of commemorative parades nationwide.

Tens of thousands of people marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City on Sunday, led by Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis. In West Hollywood, grand marshal honors went to actress Judith Light of the TV show “Who’s the Boss?”

“I don’t know any other group that celebrates itself like this,” said John Pugsley, 35. “And we do this all over the world.”

As he spoke, a man with a chartreuse-colored beard strutted past a Thai food stand in a shimmering purple robe. T-shirts announced, “Queer Asian,” “Condoms Are Kool,” and “It’s Civil Rights for Everyone, Stupid.” And a volunteer for PAWS LA, a group that advocates pet companionship for AIDS patients, marched on Santa Monica Boulevard in a furry orange cat suit.

“The spirit just comes down on you,” concluded Irene Delgado, a South Pasadena resident who sang with a church choir during the parade.

Still, some participants quibbled.

The festival “needs more close parking,” Elizabeth Cook recommended.

Or a raffle, Hawaii native David Kealoha urged.

Whittier resident Angie Dixon, miffed at the $10 fee for entrance to a festival area that included food booths, called for cheaper tickets.

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And financial consultant Bill Farber complained that his booth deserved a better location--like near the Budweiser stand. Despite his efforts to lure customers with a linen tablecloth and silk flower arrangement, Farber’s stand was even quieter than the sheriff’s recruiting table.

“Everyone here’s either having fun or doing business,” Farber said glumly. “I’m doing neither.”