Pride marches to take place across US in mix of party and protest

Pride marches are taking place across the US on Sunday (Santiago Mejia/AP

Some of the world’s biggest celebrations of LGBTQ+ pride are set to kick off, with thousands expected to march in New York, San Francisco and other North American cities in parades that will be part party, part protest.

Entertainers and activists, drag performers and transgender advocates are among the grand marshals in parades embracing a unity message this year, as new laws targeting the LGBTQ+ community take effect in several US states.