Transgender star makes pride pitch

Preparations for the highly anticipated Gay Pride Parade in Tel Aviv Friday are in full swing, and transgender pop superstar Dana International is on the job.

Dana International gained worldwide exposure back in 1998 when she represented Israel at the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest with her song “Diva,” and won. Now she’s teamed up with Smirnoff Vodka and production company FFF Shirazi  to create an official invite for the event with a new song, “Loca.”

There’s a futuristic, Lady Gaga feel to “Loca,” and Dana International brings her signature diva edge to the video, with plenty of shots of men caressing horses and taking baths in the background.

The Israeli pop icon is set to hit the stage during the parade, which begins at 1 p.m. Friday and will extend into the evening hours with beach fests and after parties.