World

New York’s Stonewall Inn was officially declared a US national monument by President Barack Obama on Friday. The inn is regarded as the birthplace of the modern LGBT civil rights movement and will be the first monument dedicated to that struggle.

 

 

The monument will now be part of the National Parks Service. President Obama said in the announcement “I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country – the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together. That out of many, we are one.” The inn and its patrons made history in June 1969 when during a police raid the patrons made a stand and fought back. Their stand sparked a series of riots and a year later, to mark the anniversary, the first Gay Pride took place. Gay Pride, of course, continues to this day and this weekend saw some of the biggest parades and festivals took place this weekend. We’ve rounded up some of the best pictures of the celebrations to give you a taste of the rainbow-coloured action.

 

London

 

London’s first Muslim mayor celebrated Pride on Saturday.

A truly viral moment came when the Parade came to a standstill for a police officer to break ranks and propose to his boyfriend…

…and he wasn’t the only one to get a yes.

You could even say it was Absolutely Fabulous!

New York

The sun drew out marchers to raise awareness while having a party.

 

Despite the jovial atmosphere, the recent Orlando tragedy was never too far away from most people’s minds.

 

June 26, 2016 Activist I came with my fiancé and for the cause.” Tonyé-d’mitria Vickers held the hand of Lamar Harris with what I can only describe as deep affection and adoration. It was all in the squeeze. This was Lamar’s first pride and he celebrated it by baring his chest. Tonyé held tighter when he spoke about the massacre in Orlando. “I am actually seeing more unity and more unification than I have ever seen at a gay pride. There is a feeling of togetherness I have never experienced before. I expect stricter gun laws because we the LGBTQ community have made a lot happen in the past. I count on that strength to get things done. #nycpride2016 #pride2016 #streetphotography #streetportrait #makeportraits #makeportrait #leicam240 @leicaakademieusa @leicacamerausa

A photo posted by “Humanist/Activist.” (@ruddyroye) on Jun 26, 2016 at 5:32pm PDT

 

Even the littlest supporters wanted to help.

San Francisco

The whole city turned rainbow for San Francisco Pride.

Corporations are now a huge part of Pride all over the world, a striking reminder about how the event has been accepted into the mainstream culture of the Western world.

Dublin

Groups for all walks of life leapt to join the fun on Saturday’s parade.

Even the dogs were getting in on the action.

 

#dogsofpride – #dublinpride2016 #dublinpride #dogsofinstagram

A photo posted by AnneMarie (@annmo13) on Jun 25, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

Cue the leprechaun jokes.

Manila

 

Participants in Manila’s 22nd Gay Pride called for more acceptance and openness for LGBT members of their society.

Seattle

Netherlands