The sounds, the colorful outfits and pride. But this year, many said Pride feels a little different, taking on new importance in light of policies coming from the Trump Administration.

“Pride didn’t start as a celebration, but protest,” said former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

What You Need To Know

  • This year's theme was "Rise up: Pride and Protest," reminding many in the LGBTQ community the fight for their rights is not over

  • This year's march had several grand marshals, including former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre

  • In light of the cuts to funding for gender-affirming care and assaults, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced millions for transgender health care and workforce development, among other initiatives

Jean-Pierre was one of several grand marshals, noting that it is still a protest, and saying this year’s theme was a reminder.

”Now more than ever, across the country, LBGTQ rights are under attack," said Jean-Pierre. "Especially for our trans siblings and queer youth. Rise up is not just a theme, it is a call to action."

The pride march has come a long way from the first one to commemorate the first anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion, marking the beginning of the modern-day gay rights movement. But now LGBTQ rights are once again under threat from the Trump Administration, which has moved to ban transgender Americans from the military, block gender-affirming care for teenagers, and even taken the words “transgender” and “queer” off the Stonewall Monument website. Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday promised millions for transgender health care and workforce development.

“We're putting our money where our mouth is to make sure people have access to the care they need and deserve,” said Hochul.

Others said it is just as important to be visible, and the march does just that.

“To the trans youths who may see this, who may hear the sound of my voice or watch this. You do not need a government to tell you that you exist. I know that you exist. I was once you. We are fighting for you," said Elisa Crespo, executive director of the Stonewall Center and a march grand marshal.

Those attending for the first time or who have come in the past feel the march is needed to show the power of the community and to support each other.

"This is my first time and I am super excited I am here to support my best friend," said Kathy Rivera. "I am here to support my entire LBGTQIA+ community."

“It's really important to like, you know, represent especially like the times that they are now, where we're struggling in the way we are and from recognition and like just being oppressed," said Gelasia Nurse. "So, it's important that we've come out here to show that we're still here and everything like that.”

Even with those serious issue underlying pride this year, the march was just as loud and colorful as ever.