SAN JOSE >> It wasn’t a long parade but it was a proud parade, the colorful 42nd annual LGBTQ celebration that wound down Market Street in an hour-long rainbow procession on Sunday.

Alex Golding, 23, strutted confidently on pink six-inch heels handing out stickers to let people know that the San Mateo County Pride Center had just opened, which he said was the first such venue on the Peninsula. Golding and others at the parade said today’s climate of open intolerance makes a parade all the more important.

“Now is the best time to be out and show everyone that we’re not going anywhere,” Golding said. “We’re here, we’re queer, we’re here to stay.”

Silicon Valley Pride organizers said the parade is getting larger and more corporate — but in a good way — with companies such as Netflix, Logitech and Amazon joining Delta and other longtime sponsors.

“That’s important because there are a lot of LGBTQ people in those companies,” said organizer Saldy Suriben. “And it’s important that the companies show support for local pride, not just in San Francisco.”

While “RESIST” signs were in abundance the mood was light, with sound systems blasting the club standards: “Dancing Queen,” the Village People, Diana Ross, Gloria Gaynor, “It’s Raining Men.” Hooting, honking and hollering, the parade slowly moved down Market Street to Plaza de Cesar Chavez for a festival with food booths and a mix of attractions including a napping stall for 10-minute breaks and Leather Land, courtesy of the Santa Clara County Leather Association.

“That’s new this year,” said Suriben, who advised to “let your imagination run wild” as to what goes on in Leather Land.

Hundreds of people lined up along the parade route and organizers expected a few thousand to attend the festival.

If the event pales in comparison to the massive June pride month festivities to the north, its modest nature makes it family friendly, said Michael Diaz II, with his wild-haired 2-year-old son Michael Diaz III perched on his shoulder and clutching a rainbow flag.

“We decided to come down to show support,” Diaz said. “It’s good to stand with everybody else, it’s important to show that we’re not afraid to organize.”

Barbara Morales-Rossi said the family aspect “is what pride is all about.”

“Yes, it’s a lot more relaxed than some parades,” she said. “But it’s still important. We need to suit up and show up no matter what is going on around us.”

Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, the first openly gay elected official in Silicon Valley, said the turnout gave him a sense that the “LGBT community is coming of age.”

“Is it the biggest pride parade we’ve had?” he said. “That’s hard to say but it’s not saying much — it’s not a big parade. But it’s bigger than it used to be. More people are coming out to be part of a group that’s supportive of diversity.”