San Francisco's Pride Parade was celebration of diversity, demand for equality
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- This year's pride event was a celebration of diversity and a demand for equality.
The pride parade down Market Street had a record breaking 250 contingents marching this year, and the SF Pride Director said more than a million people were attending the celebration.
By noon, the crowd and costumed celebrators converged on Civic Center Plaza. Some floated on through while others seemed stunned as they took it all in.
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"It's been interesting to say the least. A lot of people, a lot of things I wasn't expecting to see," Kyle Stevens from Monterey said. "Nudity. Nudity is definitely one of them."
"There's a wave of love that's washing over everyone and there's a sense of freedom. I'm so grateful to experience this," Camille Leon from Sacramento said.
There were dressed up dogs, dancers, and plenty of cool shoes to check out.
Overlooking it all, police up on rooftops and down in the crowd. It was all hands on deck with days off canceled.
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"We do have a lot of police officers out there in uniform creating a presence to make people feel safe," SFPD Officer Robert Rueca said.
For the second year, there were strict protocols for bag checks and metal detectors. And there was indeed a lot of pride in being part of what's become an iconic event here.
People were taking plenty of photos.
Click here for full coverage on the SF Pride celebrations.
