Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, flanked by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Rev. Al Sharpton, attends the New York City Gay Pride Parade, June 26, 2016 in New York City. Over 30,000 people marched in the 46th annual parade. Getty Images/Drew Angerer US Democratic presumptive presidential nominee Hillary Clinton on Sunday (June 26) made an appearance at the New York City gay pride parade, greeting the throng of people lining the parade route as she walked alongside New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and civil rights activist Al Sharpton.

Millions of people draped in the rainbow hues of LGBT pride turned out for the annual parade through New York streets, two weeks after a deadly mass shooting at a Florida gay nightclub stirred fear and solidarity among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

It was the first of a string of parades on Sunday in US cities such as Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco. Police had stepped up security to counter any threats and reassure wary parade-goers.

The tone this year was in sharp contrast with the joy that emanated from the 2015 pride events, which came days after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the country.

In a special tribute to the 49 victims who died at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, the lead float in New York's parade was carrying Pulse owner Barbara Poma and the club's entertainment manager, Neema Bahrami.