Tens of thousands of people walked the streets of Park Slope Saturday, celebrating the culmination of Brooklyn Pride Week.

Many people say it is essential to remove the stigma that still exists in the older LGBTQ community.

Sofia Defelice is thankful to be alive and celebrating Brooklyn Pride Week. Last year, Defelice had major surgery to repair her intestines. She says she was hesitant reaching out for help with her health, because she often felt judged about being gay.

The 64-year-old finally reached out to the Visiting Nurse Service of New York for home care following surgery. She received seven months of physical therapy and learned how to walk again.

The health care provider was one of dozens of vendors at the event, bringing awareness to the resources and services available to the LGBTQ community. With every conversation, they say they are a step closer to fighting stigma that still exists.

This celebration for Brooklyn Pride has gone on for 23 years. Each year, more people attend and more vendors participate. People at the event say it is a sign of society becoming more accepting.