Proud!...and Wet

About half a million people attended New York's Pride Parade to cap off a month of LGBT celebrations throughout the city. And since it's the biggest and most anticipated event for Cheer New York, a 30-strong contingent -- current and former CNYers and volunteers -- marched down from Fifth Ave. to Christopher St. to bring energy and spirit to an already fabulous occasion.

But about 15 minutes into the parade, the sky tore open, thunder struck, lightning cracked and rain poured by the gallons (fortunately we were able to get in a few photographs before). Still, that didn't dampen the spirits of CNY members as they traversed the city: dancing, stunting and posing (remember the scantily clad fireman?).

Here's what some CNYers said:

"Walking down Fifth Avenue in the middle of a thunderstorm certainly added adventure to the parade. That the crowds stayed outside too in the middle of it all really proved the incredible amount of Pride that this city has!"~Jennie

"Pride is a magical time of year because it is the ONLY time when trannys, chelsea boys, dykes, thugs, heteros and everyone in between are standing together smiling and cheering without a care in the world. It is my Disney World!" ~Captain Manny

“Nothing is sexier than wet cheerleaders!! The rain was only fuel for our fire! Thank you to EVERYONE that supported us! I'm proud of CNY and I'm proud to be Gay!!”~Raelyn

"GET-SOAKING-WET!" ~Brian

"No downpour could dampen the pride and spirt of Cheer New York. Our shoes were squishy, our make-up smudged, but the parade must go on, so we BROUGHT IT!" ~Heather

Another year, another successful Pride Parade! Thank you to all the hardcore Pride supporters that continued to cheer us on and keep us pumped up through the rain. Without you we would have just been a bunch of wet cheerleaders walking down 5th Ave!