The grand finale of Pride Month was held Sunday in New York City, starting with a march past the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the gay rights movement.

A sense of defiance and perseverance was on display Sunday in Manhattan at the NYC Pride March. The event’s official theme, "Rise Up: Pride in Protest," was chosen in response to what Heritage of Pride, the organization behind the parade and festival, "identified as increasing hostility and legislative attacks."

Under the beaming summer sun, one contingent after another slithered along NYC Pride’s parade route with thumping music, colorful Rainbow Flags, and defiant