A man holds signs encouraging equal rights, Black Lives Matter, and stopping homophobia

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As thousands of colorfully dressed people proved as they marched through Old City into the Gayborhood on Sunday, Pride is back in the city of Philadelphia.

The march came after the implosion last year of Philly Pride Presents, the group that for three decade ran the annual event. After accusations of racism and transphobia ripped it apart, a new group of activists came together to try to create something new. One of the mandates of the reborn celebration was that it not involve police — and the goal was largely met.

After speakers began the event next to Independence Mall, the PHL Pride March kicked off at 5th and Arch streets after a two-year hiatus. It was the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in Philly, and it came at a time when solidarity was welcome and needed.

Over the past year, there have been a record number of anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans laws introduced in various U.S. states, putting many members of the community in a state of uncertainty and fear that their rights to live as their authentic selves could be stripped away. At one point, the Philly march passed a small group of people shouting anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans rhetoric, but the teeming crowd did not waver.

Instead, they celebrated their identities and embraced who they are, while coming together as one.

Scroll down for photos from the welcoming, inclusive event.

The banner for the 2022 Philly Pride March, organized by PHL Pride Collective Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
Members of ‘Dykes on Bikes’ and ‘Queers on Wheels’ led the 2022 PHL Pride March on their motorcycles — instead of police escort Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
A child sits atop the shoulders of their parent while wearing a rainbow-colored shirt Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
A participant waves the transgender flag as they follow along the route Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
A participant stands in the front of the line, helping to hold the main pride banner wearing a shirt reading 'You do you' in a rainbow-colored font.
A participant stands in the front of the line, helping to hold the main pride banner wearing a shirt reading ‘You do you’ Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
One of the front-of-the-line leaders of the 2022 PHL Pride March. They danced along to the music and encouraged the crowd to cheer and chant as they walked. Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
A woman stands in front of protesters in front of the 2022 Philly Pride March. Her sign reads: 'You are loved more than you know.'
A woman stands in front of protesters in front of the 2022 Philly Pride March. Her sign reads: ‘You are loved more than you know.’ Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
Particpants in the 2022 Philly Pride March hold hands as they walk down Market Street Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
Particpants decorated in pride gear walk together in the 2022 Philly Pride March Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
A pride march participant holds a newspaper that displays pride as the front-page headline. The headline reads: ‘PRIDE means FIGHT BACK!’ Credit: Nathan Morris for Billy Penn
Credit: Daisie Cardona for Billy Penn
Credit: Daisie Cardona for Billy Penn
Credit: Daisie Cardona for Billy Penn
A Lenape leader with Red Feather’s Legacy Credit: Daisie Cardona for Billy Penn
Credit: Daisie Cardona for Billy Penn
Zach Jackson, who told counter-protesters ‘I take pride in your hatred!’ Credit: Daisie Cardona for Billy Penn