In New York City, Pride was recognised by a parade and numerous parties but one seriously touching appearance showed the sorrow that many still feel for their deceased brothers and sisters.
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Among the groups taking part in Sunday’s march is Gays Against Guns, set up in NY to campaign for gun control legislation in the wake of the Orlando massacre.
Police in NY beefed up security with helicopter and maritime patrols and an increased presence of uniformed and plainclothes officers, while authorities took similar steps in Chicago.
She joined New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, New York state Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Reverend Al Sharpton for the event, with a moment of silence held for victims of Orlando.
NY police deployed roving counterterrorism units and used bomb-sniffing dogs, rooftop observation posts, police helicopters and thousands of officers to provide extra layers of security at Sunday’s parade.
The Pride Parade began with a moment of silence for the 49 victims of a massacre at a gay club in Orlando, the worst shooting in American history. The nightclub’s owner, Barbara Poma, and its entertainment manager, Neema Bahrami, were atop the first of 85-odd floats in NY. He said he wishes the 49 people who died in the Orlando gay nightclub shooting earlier this month were marching today with everyone.
“We had fun. That is what gay people do”, comedian Guy Branum wrote in a New York Times essay after attending the West Hollywood parade.
Millions will march across the nation Sunday to celebrate annual LGBT parades amid tight security following the Florida massacre.
Parade participants ride on the Stonewall Inn’s float along Fifth Avenue.
Some 3,000 people marched in Saturday’s Pride Parade in Fribourg in western Switzerland – and reflected on the shooting victims at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Spectators donned rainbow feather boas and waved rainbow flags.
Authorities have ramped up security at pride parades around the country.
President Barack Obama on Friday designated the site around the bar as the first national monument to gay rights.
Cuomo had earlier announced that NY will allocate one million dollar to build a monument to commemorate the victims in Orlando and all acts of hatred against the LGBT community, although it has not been specified where it will be placed.
The 10-member commission will come up with recommendations on the design of the memorial and the specific location by year’s end.
The lead float in New Yorks parade was dedicated to the Orlando victims. An announcer introducing state officials and guests also shouted out, Love is love!
The Inn is considered the birthplace of Americas gay rights movement as the site of protests in 1969 following a police crackdown of laws banning the sale of alcohol to gays.
Many participants said the tributes to the dead in Orlando didn’t dampen the energy and fun associated with the pride parade.
Police were busy tightening the metal barricades to contain a crowd they say is expected to be bigger than usual this year.
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Parades in San Francisco and other cities Sunday will also see increased security.
