Massive crowds have gathered in New York City for the annual Pride March that seeks to promote understanding of the LGBTQ community.

Organizers say about 75,000 people, including members of the LGBTQ community, marched in Manhattan on Sunday in front of some two million spectators.

Participants waved rainbow flags, which represent gender diversity, or held banners calling for human rights for people in the community.

The event took place while tensions were rising across the United States over discussions about the rights of LGBTQ people.

Bills designed to limit their rights have been submitted to assemblies this year in many US states. Rainbow flags were burned down or destroyed in a number of incidents.

A bisexual woman who came to watch the parade said it's scary that there are people who don't want to allow people to exist as who they really are.

She said advocating for equality across all groups is the most important thing people can do.