Politics and parades

Brian Kohler, 79, sat on the sidewalk to take in the sights and sounds before the start of the L.A. Pride parade Sunday. Talal Ansari in the Daily News.

There was the usual jubilation of the event that drew 400,000 within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community, as well as friends, loved ones and other supporters. But this year also saw an air of discontent. In Kohler's hands was a sign that read: "I do support the freedom to marry."

In the wake of last month's California Supreme Court decision to uphold Proposition 8, Sunday's 39th annual Pride celebration and parade in West Hollywood took a quasi-political theme.