LGBTQ+ Pride Month culminates with parades in NYC, San Francisco and beyond

The monthlong celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride is reaching its exuberant grand finale as multitudes of rainbow-laden revelers hit the streets for marquee parades in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere across the globe. Sunday's wide-ranging festivities function both as jubilant parties and political protests. This year, tensions over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza have colored the celebrations, exposing divisions within the community that is normally aligned on social issues. Protesters temporarily blocked a Pride parade in New York, chanting: “Free, free, free Palestine.” Pro-Gaza activists have already disrupted several pride events held in June. A heavy security presence is expected as marchers take to the streets.