Pride Month went out with a bang Sunday as thousands lined the streets of Manhattan to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

“We human too. That’s it. I’m gay, I’m happy. Have a good day,” Yunepha Sumpter said.

The annual NYC Pride March is the culmination of Pride Month in the city. Marchers made their way from the Flatiron District to the Stonewall National Monument, then north towards Chelsea, passing the New York City AIDS Memorial.

“It’s extremely important for us to be able to celebrate our freedom, to celebrate our authenticity, to celebrate our lives,” Thomas Faraldo said.

This month also marks 55 years since the Stonewall Inn Uprising started what would become the modern day gay rights movement. One year later, in 1970, the first NYC Pride March was held on Christopher Street. Many say New York City is the first place they felt true acceptance.

“I grew up in a small town in the Midwest and always being told that something is wrong with me — being able to find a big city, find a place where people are celebrating the thing my small town tried to make me feel other for, it’s such a beautiful feeling,” Matthew Conley said.

Organizers say the driving force behind the march has changed over time to include raising awareness about the fight against AIDS and anti-LGBTQIA legislation. Paradegoers say the fight for equality is still ongoing.

“So many youths don’t have that support and that love. We are still fighting for equality in 2024 so it’s extremely important,” Faraldo said.

Organizers said this year’s theme was: Reflect. Empower. Unite. It encouraged advocates, community leaders and allies to reflect on the challenges they have overcome together and empowered them to take action in shaping the future of the LGBTQ community.