PHOTOS: The Spirit of Boston Pride

Some things really do get better with age, and Boston Gay Pride is no exception. Started in 1970 by a small group of gay and lesbian Vietnam War protesters, it continued and grew, becoming one of the oldest surviving festivals of its kind. Today, Boston Pride attracts more than 400,000 participants annually. A recent piece in The Boston Globemakes the case that Boston actually powered the birth of the gay rights movement.

On the following pages, take a look at photos from the 2013 celebration. Special thanks to Boston photographers Patrick Lentz and Sarah Sparks for the use of their great photos.

Out NBA athlete Jason Collins and Joe Kennedy (center) march in the parade.

Members of the Boston Ironsides Rugby team

A great reason to march

Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Boston photographer Patrick Lentz

The National Guard has participated in several Pride events this year.

What would Pride be without the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence?

Matt Lucerto of the FLAG Flag Football League, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Ed Markey, and Steve Buckley, Boston sports columnist who came out as gay in 2011

Boston boys

More Boston boys

FLAG Flag Football member Michael McEvoy hands out beads to a family.

Supporters of Massachusetts Asian + Pacific Islanders for Health march in the parade.

Protesters march against LGBT domestic violence.

Show folk from the Three Strange Women radio show

Members of the Boston FLAG Flag Football League who marched in the parade

State senator-elect Linda Dorcena Forry, Marc Lewis of the FLAG Flag Football League, and state senator Katherine Clark

Members of Professional Gay Women of Color

The sidelines were fun as well.

Boston's FLAG Football players Kris Riley and Tim Reppucci