Tens of thousands join gay pride parades.

CITY» Tens of MEXICO thousands of people turned out for gay pride celebrations around the world Saturday, including a boisterous party in Mexico and the first pride march in North Macedonia’s capital.

Rainbow flags and umbrellas swayed and music pounded as the march along Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma avenue got underway, with couples, families and activists seeking to raise visibility for sexual diversity in the country.

Same-sex civil unions have been legal in Mexico City since 2007 and gay marriage since 2009. A handful of Mexican states also have legalized samesex unions, which are supposed to be recognized nationwide. But pride participants said Mexico has a long way to go in becoming a more tolerant and accepting place for LGBTQ individuals.