New York considers itself the beacon of gay rights around the world and Mayor Bill de Blasio had urged Americans across the country to take part in the march on June 26 alongside city officials after the Orlando massacre. The parade was to begin at noon (1600 GMT) following a moment's silence to honor 49 people who were killed and the dozens more who were injured in the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando on June 12. Safeguarded by hundreds of police, participants from hundreds of groups are expected to take part in the march down Fifth Avenue from 36th Street and culminating in Greenwich Village. Hundreds of thousands of people were expected to pour onto the streets of New York June 26 to celebrate one of the city's largest Gay Pride marches and honor the 49 people killed in the Orlando nightclub massacre. New York dedicates Gay Pride to Orlando massacre NEW YORK - Agence France-Presse