The Russian community in New York City held a march at the boardwalk Brighton Beach on Sunday ahead of the beginning of Pride Month.

Some people who took part in the march recently immigrated from Russia.

Viola Matevosian, who came from Moscow eight months ago, said they fled Russia in fear of persecution. They said Sunday's march was their very first pride event.

"I feel safe here because I did not have this luxury in Russia,” Matevosian said.

The march was organized by Rusa LGBT, a volunteer-run nonprofit that aims to help queer Russian-speaking immigrants coming to the states.

The group marched down to Coney Island Avenue where they had a small rally talking about the importance of events celebrating the LGBT community.

Attendees also had a chance to go near the beach to get a shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.