As the gay rights activist movement and its supporters have gotten stronger than ever, this year's NYC Gay Pride Parade promises bigger events as well.

Last year, one Grand Marshal of the Pride, Edie Windsor, brought her battle against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) up to the Supreme Court and won. Same-sex marriage is now recognized by the Federal Government in states where they are legal. They will continue this fight as there are still states that ban same-sex marriage.

Pride is celebrated to promote acceptance and to promote the rights of the LGBT community, whose members are not limited only to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals. Non-gays are also welcomed to join and celebrate with them in support of their cause because in the end, that's what Pride is all about -- uniting different groups into one community. You can read about the history of gay rights activism here.

This year, NYC Pride 2014 started off with a family movie night featuring "The Wizard of Oz" at Hudson River Park's Pier 46. Performers and fun games also kept the crowd entertained while waiting for the show.

The official kick-off took place with the rally on Friday June 27 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Hudson River Park: Pier 26 in Tribeca. The event was emceed by Michelle Visage of Rupaul's Drag Race, with a special performance by Sharon Needles. Click Fridays partnered with NYC Pride this year on a dance party at BPM Club.

On June 28, there will be the VIP Rooftop Party, the women-exclusive event Teaze, and WE Party by Masterbeat.

Pridefest will be held on June 29 with a line-up of many performers, while the parade itself takes place on the same day in several locations. Finally, there will be the Dance on the Pier after all the events that day. Demi Lovato will perform at the legendary Dance on the Pier at NYC Pride. Check out the calendar here.