Over the weekend, millions of gay, lesbian, and transgender men and women celebrated at Gay Pride festivals and parades around the world.

The 18th annual Pride Fest in New York City had even more reason to celebrate this year as the New York State decided to legalize same-sex marriage just two days prior.

A sea of rainbow-colored flags swept through the streets of Paris as the LGBT community made its voice heard loud and proud. France's National Assembly rejected a Bill two weeks ago presented by the opposition Socialist Party seeking to legalize same-sex marriage.

Berlin's gay Mayor Klaus Wowereit spoke at the German capital's pride event.

The support of many people from all walks of life sends a strong sign against discrimination, he said.

He expressed solidarity with LGBT people in less tolerant parts of the world, particularly Eastern Europe.

Mr Wowereit's point was underlined in St Petersburg where police arrested 14 gay rights activists trying to hold an unauthorized rally.

The world's largest Gay Pride parade took place in Sao Paolo, Brazil, where nearly 3 million participants paraded down the main avenue in the country's business capital, showing their pride in a rainbow of colors and festive music.

A huge number of people came out to celebrate across Latin America including in Mexico City where thousands paraded through the streets to the main Zocalo square.

Here's a look at this weekend's celebrations across the globe:

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A man takes part in the Gay Pride Parade in New York June 26, 2011. REUTERS
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A participant in the Gay Pride Parade holds a sign reading, 'Promise Kept!' in reference to the recent legalization of gay marriage as they march past the Stonewall Inn in New York June 26, 2011. REUTERS
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People lining the parade route hold signs thanking New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for the legalization of gay marriage during the Gay Pride Parade in New York June 26, 2011. REUTERS
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Revellers take part in a gay pride parade in San Salvador June 25, 2011. REUTERS
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Revellers prepare for a gay pride parade in Mexico City June 25, 2011. Thousands of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) rights activists participated in the annual parade. REUTERS
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A woman wears a sign on her back which reads, 'Accepting Marriage Proposals' during the Gay Pride Parade in New York June 26, 2011. REUTERS
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A member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community dressed in a wedding-themed outfit takes off his shoes at the end of an annual gay pride parade in Guatemala City June 25, 2011. REUTERS
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