Thousands gather in downtown Toronto to take part in the city's annual Pride Parade. (CBC)

Toronto's Pride parade danced, sang and jumped through the city's downtown on Sunday. Controversies dogged the organizers this year, but in the end it was a loud, joyous, celebration of all things gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered.

Organizers estimated 1.3 million people turned out to watch the annual parade, which draws spectators from all over Canada, the U.S., and around the world.

The 2010 version of the Pride Parade — held while the city was under a heat alert — marked its 30th anniversary.

This year's event found itself embroiled in controversy over a decision to ban the group Queers Against Israeli Apartheid from the march.

There had been complaints from some city councillors, sponsors and Jewish advocacy groups that the QAIA's views were discriminatory.

Organizers later rescinded the decision to ban the group from the march, but not before a number of past honorees had returned their citations, claiming the Pride organizers were trampling on free speech rights.

Another issue that re-emerged this past week is the relationship between the gay community and Toronto police, which in the past has been strained.

There were accusations that during the G20 protests Toronto Police had targeted gays and lesbians. An appearance by Chief Bill Blair at a Pride event on Tuesday was met with jeers and protests.

Blair missed a Sunday morning religious service in the heart of the city's gay community.

But members of the Toronto police force did take part in Sunday's parade. Scores of officers were on hand to lead the parade, direct traffic and help with crowd control.

Others taking part in the parade included gay and lesbian rights groups and AIDS activists, along with public service workers, local, provincial and federal politicians. Banks, real estate groups, even the Canadian military sent marchers and floats.

In total there were about 150 floats and 10,000 participants, according to organizers.

One of the highlights of the 2010 parade was the marriage of several gay couples on floats during the parade.

The Pride Parade — the largest of its kind in North America — is the culmination of a week-long festival in Toronto.

Toronto has also been selected as the venue for World Pride in 2014.