Photos: St. Louis bring the love to PrideFest despite heat, politics

Key Points:

• St. Louis held its 46th annual Pride parade on Sunday, celebrating the LGBTQ community and commemorating the 1969 Stonewall uprising amid a weeklong heat wave.
• Despite President Trump's rollback of transgender rights and diversity policies, Pride St. Louis director Jordan Braxton emphasized the community's resilience and commitment to celebrating queer and trans identities.
• Thousands attended the parade along Market Street, featuring floats from companies like Bayer and BJC, and performances by groups such as Band Together, an LGBTQ concert band.
• The event fostered a sense of community and solidarity, with participants highlighting the importance of support and safe expression, including families celebrating together for the first time.
• Enhanced security measures were implemented following last year's violence, and no incidents occurred during this year's celebrations, which were praised by Mayor Cara Spencer for their strong turnout despite the heat.