Traditionally, the last Sunday in June is reserved for Gay Pride in New York City. This year, there was a major reason to celebrate. On Friday night, New York State legislators voted to legalize same-sex marriage, allowing New York to become the sixth and largest state to pass such legislation. The news sent thousands of happy revelers into the streets throughout the weekend.
On Sunday, crowds once again returned to the streets of New York City for the 2011 Gay Pride Parade. With the marriage vote to celebrate, an aura of renewed vigor led the day’s festivities.
New York City based photographer Edward Keating photographed the weekend events for TIME. Documenting both the colorful (and flamboyant) parade and the partying afterward, Keating spent hours in the excited crowds and in packed bars and restaurants in the West Village.
Onlookers at Gay Pride Parade in New York City embrace, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEFestivities continued at the corner of Christopher and Gay Street as the parade reached the West Village, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEOnlookers crowded the sidewalks lining Fifth Avenue as the parade passed, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEScenes from the parade, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEA lone cowboy watches the parade, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEDancing in the street, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEOnlookers crowded the sidewalks lining Fifth Avenue as the parade passed, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEDancing in a window in the West Village, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEFestivities continued at the corner of Christopher and Gay Street as the parade reached the West Village, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEScenes from the parade, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMELove was in the air at New York City's Pride Parade, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEMarchers celebrating the right to marry, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEScenes from the parade, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEScenes from the parade, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEOutside the Spotted Pig in the West Village, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEThe party continued through the night, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEPeople celebrated the legislation late into the night at various spots around New York, including here, at the Spotted Pig in the West Village, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEDancing on the bar at A.O.C. in the West Village after the parade, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMERevelers celebrating New York's vote to legalize same-sex marriage at the Spotted Pig in the West Village, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIMEParade-goers wait for a train home, June 26, 2011.Edward Keating—Contact for TIME