In reversal, officials allow officer to march in gay pride parade wearing uniform

The annual L.A. Pride parade and festival occurs in West Hollywood Sunday, and one of the unlikely stars will be Andrew Johnson, a California corrections officer.

Johnson made headlines last week when he complained his department would not allow him to attend the gay and lesbian pride event in uniform. After much publicity, including a news conference with his attorney Gloria Allred last week, the department reversed course and allowed him to wear his uniform. He is scheduled to speak at the event.

Comedian Margaret Cho and skater Johnny Weir will also attend the event, which will cause some traffic problems in and around West Hollywood:

The festivities will prompt the closure of Santa Monica Boulevard from Fairfax Avenue to Doheny Drive; Crescent Heights Boulevard from Romaine Street to Fountain Avenue, Norton Avenue from Laurel Avenue to Havenhurst Drive; and all other streets one block north and one block south of Santa Monica Boulevard from Fairfax Avenue to La Peer Drive from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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-- Shelby Grad

Top photo: Participants march in the 2010 L.A. Pride parade. Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

Bottom photo: Andrew Johnson and his attorney Gloria Allred hold a news conference. Credit: KTLA News