Throngs of spectators crowded along the sidewalks on Fifth Avenue, waving rainbow-colored flags as participants including Cyndi Lauper as grand marshal, went by. The parade was held one year to the day of same-sex marriage being legalized in New York state.
Among those participating were Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who was accompanied by her wife. They were married last month.
Bloomberg had a message to the rest of America: "The government should get out of your personal life."
"New York is a place where you can do whatever you want to do," he said, before stepping off onto the parade route.
Each year since 1970, the parade has had a different theme. This time, it's called "Share the Love." Organizers say they want other states to pass legislation that allows same-sex marriage in six states and the District of Columbia.
This year marked another first for the movement, with a float carrying active members of the U.S. military who can now openly declare their sexuality while being allowed to still serve.
"It's great to be proud of who we are," said Air Force 1st Lt. Josh Seefried, co-director of OutServe, a network of actively-serving LGBT military personnel.
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