Gay Pride Parade 2015: Routes, Maps For New York City, San Francisco And Seattle

Participants and spectators have much to celebrate at the gay pride parades in the U.S. Sunday. This year, they will celebrate not only the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities but also the U.S. Supreme Court decision Friday that legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. Basically, this means that there is no longer any such thing as gay marriage: It’s simply a union between two people who love each other.

Besides giving those involved a joyous time, LGBT parades help bring awareness to the fight against AIDS. It’s also a time to remember to those who have died from sickness or violence. Parade information for New York, San Francisco and Seattle appears below:

New York

The NYC Pride parade, conducted in conjunction with PrideFest, is the largest in the country. It began in 1970 to mark the first anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Since then, it has morphed into more than just a parade, as it combines vendors, entertainers and activities -- all in the name of equality, of course. “PrideFest attracts thousands of out-of-state visitors and brings them together with local residents and families, corporate sponsors, community leaders and area business owners,” according to NYC Pride. “PrideFest is the perfect place to stop to listen to a few tunes, grab a bite to eat or score some great Pride gear. And the best part is, attendance is totally free!”

Date: Sunday, June 28

Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. EDT.

Route: Starting at Hudson Street between Abingdon Square and West 14th Street.

San Francisco

Like the event in New York, the San Francisco Pride Parade began as a way to mark the Stonewall Inn rebellion, and it is one of the most well-known LBGT celebrations in the nation. Every year its theme changes, and this year it is Equality Without Exception.

“Pride has come to symbolize several things: the long history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer dignity, the freedom of all people to meaningfully and proudly express their sexual and gender identities, and the commitment of LGBT people to combating oppression,” according to SF Pride. “From this history of rebellion grew the mission of San Francisco LGBT Pride: to educate the world, celebrate our culture, commemorate our heritage and liberate our people.”

Date: Sunday, June 28

Time: 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. PDT.

Route: Along Market Street from Beale to Eighth streets.

Seattle

The Seattle Pride Parade theme this year is A Lifetime of Pride: “[I]t serves to honor all those who serve the community -- regardless of age, class, sex, ability or status. Pride exists in us all -- for a lifetime,” according to Seattle Pride. The march will last 2.5 hours.

Date: Sunday, June 28

Time: 11 a.m. PDT.

Route: Beginning at Union Street and Fourth Avenue and ending at Second Avenue and Denny Way near Seattle Center.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella.