The world shows its LGBT pride with parades across the globe

Toronto, Ontario A participant with a rainbow mask sits on the back of a float during the WorldPride Parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, June 29, 2014. WorldPride is an event that promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT pride) issues on an international level through parades, festivals and other cultural activities. 2014 host Toronto is the first WorldPride celebration ever held in North America, and the 4th such festival in the world. AFP PHOTO / Geoff ROBINSGEOFF ROBINS/AFP/Getty Images less Toronto, Ontario A participant with a rainbow mask sits on the back of a float during the WorldPride Parade in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, June 29, 2014. WorldPride is an event that promotes lesbian, gay, ... more Photo: Geoff Robins, AFP/Getty Images Photo: Geoff Robins, AFP/Getty Images Image 1 of / 125 Caption Close The world shows its LGBT pride with parades across the globe 1 / 125 Back to Gallery

From Portland, Maine to Istanbul, Turkey, people across the world gathered to show their support for the LGBT community.

While the entire world celebrates, this year's festivities hold a bit more significance to some in America. President Barack Obama recently declared June 2014 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. It's a joyous occasion for many, though it has serious undertones.

"Our commitment to advancing equality for the LGBT community extends far beyond our borders," President Obama said in a statement. "In many places around the globe, LGBT people face persecution, arrest, or even state-sponsored execution. This is unacceptable. The United States calls on every nation to join us in defending the universal human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters."

You won't find the Bayou City on here. That's because while the rest of the world partied over the weekend, Houston will host its 36th Houston LGBT Pride Festival and Pride Parade on June 28. Around 400,000 people are expected at the Montrose-area event. The festival begins at 1 p.m. and will be held along Commonwealth and Yoakum. Scheduled performers include Stamps, Morena Roas, Curtis Braly, Jess Walker, Courtney Locke and the Pride Superstar finalists. The parade kicks off at 8:15 p.m. on Westheimer between Dunlavy and Montrose.

By the looks of the photos above, it seems as though Houston has some pretty big shoes to fill. Check out the gallery to see all the wild, wacky, and colorful ways the world shows its gay pride.