EDGE New York City

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the gay populations in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore have doubled in the last decade, spawning increased political involvement. And there are now more reasons to visit.

Members of Notre Dame’s student-run GLBT group the Progressive Student Alliance were allowed by the University to use funds allocated to the group to go to the gay march in Washington, D.C. this past weekend.

Rainbow flags fluttered above the crowds near the White House as tens of thousands of gay rights supporters rallied to demand that President Barack Obama keep his promises to end discrimination against gays and also let them serve openly in the military.

President Barack Obama restated his campaign pledge to allow homosexual men and women to serve openly in the military, but many in his audience of gay activists were left wondering when he would make good on the promise.

Miss Capital Leather Pride 2009 Jackie Thompson and Colette Roberts of PFLAG’s Columbia-Howard County chapter are among those who are planning to attend the Oct. 11 march.

Buses are scheduled to bring marchers to Washington from Orlando, Miami, Naples, Fort Myers and other Florida cities.

Join the Impact Chicago told EDGE it was confirmed 120 people will board buses bound for the March on Washington next month.

Organizers of the National Equality March Oct. 11 in Washington concede that most participants will come from within a day’s round-trip drive. While some question whether the turnout will ultimately prove disappointing, the marchers are hopeful of drawing a crowd.

There were rumors to the contrary, but GLBT equality activist Cleve Jones says that the National Equality March on Washington slated for Columbus Day weekend is a go.