"I just wanted to support all of our children," said Roth, a 56-year-old mother of four, "and show others that the support is really needed and appreciated."

For the past three years, Roth has participated in the parade, along with a handful of other proud mothers with gay children — collectively called "Da Moms." They believe their participation as "straight allies" is important in bringing together people under the banner of humanity.

Today, Roth, a substitute teacher, conducts workshops for school-age children about sexual orientation and differences. She also talks with public school teachers about gay issues.

The objective, she said, is to change societal perceptions, to celebrate the uniqueness in everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

"I hope that one day we won't have to talk about our sexual orientation, that people become aware that gay people have the same challenges as everyone else does," said Roth. "They're just a unique part of the human race, just like everyone else. It would be nice to just have it be what it is, just part of humanity."

That's also the goal of the 16th annual Honolulu Gay Pride Celebration, which starts today. Event organizers expect about 3,000 participants this year, up from 2,000 the year before.

Over the years participation from "straight allies" — or people not part of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning (LGBTIQ) community, such as Roth — has grown, prompted by the need to promote tolerance and awareness in Hawai'i. Church groups, political parties, parents and friends all march in the annual parade.

Lehua Ferrar-Ivey, 18, accepted that she was a lesbian during her freshman year at Kamehameha Schools. The next year she told her parents — a daunting, stressful task — because she had to be true to herself.

Then she got active.

With four classmates, Ferrar-Ivey urged her school to sanction a gay-straight alliance. By the time she left Kamehameha Schools, more than two dozen students were involved in the Pride Club, which stands resolutely against discrimination of any kind. A good portion of the club's members aren't gay or lesbian.

"It's not just about being gay," said Ferrar-Ivey, who will attend the University of Puget Sound in the fall. "It's about being visible in our school ... If you're not 'out' or comfortable or you don't know who you are, at least you know your school is an accepting and safe place, regardless of who you are."

Since she came out about her sexuality, Honolulu Pride has been an important part of Ferrar-Ivey's life.

"It's the highlight of my year," raved Ferrar-Ivey, named this year's youth grand marshal for the parade. "It's like Christmas."

The parade is also a highlight for Jo Chang, a 61-year-old single mother of three sons, one of whom is gay. Part of "Da Moms," she carries a sign that reads "Gay children are a wonderful gift."

Chang feels it's important for straight allies to come forward and speak out, especially to people who aren't in the LGBTIQ community.

"They can relate to you, and you can at least dialogue with them," said Chang, a retired administrator for the state Department of Labor. "They might feel with you, and because of that, you might have a chance to open their hearts a little bit. And that will open their minds."

Ferrar-Ivey realizes how lucky she is to live in a time when being gay is more widely accepted, thanks to advocacy groups and portrayals in mainstream media such as TV and film.

It took Miller 26 years to open up about being gay.

"I was struggling with it, sitting at the beach and wondering if I should go for the long swim," said Miller, 49. "I think our challenge in the gay movement is to really frame our community. We're no different than anyone else. We just want to live our lives as best as possible."