Loud music, laughter and an undeniable undercurrent of solidarity swept down Duckworth Street in St. John's on Sunday afternoon as the city's annual Pride parade drew thousands of revelers, activists and community members.

Kailey Rice came for a good time, but also for moral support: She's seen far too many of her friends become targets because of their sexuality or gender expression.

"It's not fair," Rice said. "It shouldn't matter who you love."

That's why Rice and fellow merrymaker Diamond Fleming say they braved the chilly weather to join the rowdy crowd.

"All you feel is love," Rice said.

"Compliments galore. Everyone's saying, 'You're beautiful.' Everyone's saying, 'You look amazing in rainbow.' It's so supportive."

Organizers estimate 5,000 people joined or watched the parade. (Malone Mullin/CBC)

Fleming said the number of parents offering free hugs to anyone whose parents may not have shown them support struck her as heartwarming.

"A lot of people unfortunately are getting thrown out … and torn down by their parents, and it's just nice to see that other parents are supportive of other people's kids and not just their own," Fleming said.

Maurice Babin doled out dozens of hugs in support of anyone needing one on Sunday. (Malone Mullin/CBC)

Organizers estimate 5,000 people descended on the downtown to watch or take part in the march, with an after-party carrying on in Bannerman Park into the evening.

Mayor Danny Breen, Premier Dwight Ball and Opposition Leader Ches Crosbie were on hand for the flag-raising ceremony at St. John's City Hall, which kicked off the parade around noon.

Premier Dwight Ball, left, and MP Seamus O'Regan were among the politicians who came in support of the province's LGBTQ communities. (Malone Mullin/CBC)

The marchers, decked out in rainbow capes, elaborate costumes and even — in one instance — leading a unicorn, all snaked their way eastward.

St. John's South-Mount Pearl MP Seamus O'Regan was also on hand, greeting friends in his comparatively tame attire: a simple white shirt and khakis.

With a smile, he told CBC News the only decoration he needed was his wedding band.

MUN marks Pride

The Pride flag flies alongside the Memorial University flag on Wednesday. (Gary Locke/CBC)

Memorial University kicked off its Pride celebrations on Wednesday, organized by the Pride on Campus Coalition, a collection of groups supporting the LGBTQ community.

There were workshops and events throughout the week, as well as a flag-raising outside the Arts and Administration Building, all to make the university a more safe and inclusive space.

Kayla Halleran says she feels 'really welcomed' as part of the LGBTQ community at Memorial. (Gary Locke/CBC)

Kayla Halleran feels supported and welcome at MUN as a member of the LGBTQ community, but says there is still room for improvement.

"Last year, we had a few transphobic stickers show up in the gender-neutral bathrooms," Halleran said.

"I think more support needs to be put in place.… There are still people with unpopular opinions."

Celebrating progress

St. John's Pride, a non-profit volunteer organization that serves the LGBTQ community, kicked off its Pride Week at Confederation Building on Friday.

The group raised the rainbow flag, with provincial and federal politicians, members of the LGBTQ community and allies in attendance.

The Pride flag was raised at Confederation Building in St. John's on Friday. (Eddy Kennedy/CBC)

Amnesty Cornelius, director at large of St. John's Pride, said the theme of this year's event is "Pride and Progress."

"Seeing all of you here shows us that there is progress being made in this province, country and city towards inclusion and love," Cornelius said.

"But progress is also unlearning what has been [considered] normal for so long."

Hasan Hai, the Pride parade's grand marshal, stressed the importance of supporting LGBTQ people all year round, not just during Pride Week.

"It's not just the one week where we wear some rainbow colours and say, 'Hey, we had a great run, we'll see you again next year.' It's every single day we need to be looking at opportunities to be helpful, to be allies," he said.

"Behind closed doors, what can you do to help lift up others?"

First Pride Week

Communities across Newfoundland and Labrador have already marked Pride Week.

The Town of Gander celebrated its first Pride Week by raising the Pride flag outside town hall.

Sandra McKeller, executive director of the Gander Women's Centre, says celebrating pride in the central Newfoundland town hasn't always been easy.

"It has grown over the years, but it has been a bit of a struggle at times."

But, she said, it shows growth and acceptance in the community to have a member of the LGBTQ community raise the flag.

Zackary Downey, a member of the LGBT community in Gander, helped raise the Pride flag outside the town hall on Friday. (Garrett Barry/CBC)

That person was Zackary Downey, and raising the flag was something he says would have meant a lot to him when he was younger.

"I think it would have made the world [of difference] to younger me, I think I would have been an entirely different person. I think I would have had a lot of confidence had this been around when I was younger," he said.

"It's special because this is just something that's been a part of me, it's my identity, and to be able to use that to represent the community and show that Gander is a diverse place is incredible."

The celebrations weren't exclusive to the island, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay also raised the rainbow flag on Monday, and organizers encouraged members of the community to attend the flag-raising.

A crowd gathered for the flag-raising at the town hall in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. (Alyson Samson/CBC)

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