Boston Pride Parade Marches Through Downtown

Marchers from all over Massachusetts hit the streets on Saturday during the 42nd annual Boston Pride Parade.

The parade is meant to celebrate LGBT communities. Many parade-goers say the week of events is still necessary.

"It's easier to make fun of people than it is to build something up, and to say, you know what, wait a minute, that's actually OK," said Jeremy Sher, a marcher from Cambridge.

Cindy Runey, of Scituate, rode in the parade with her motorcycle club, New England Thunder. Runey says events like the Pride Parade raise the visibility of the gay community.

"I think as times have changed, more and more people are realizing that it's just normal everyday people who may live a little differently than they do," Runey said.

Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino joined participants as they marched from Copley Square to City Hall Plaza.