From sex workers and vegans to mental health groups and unions, the diversity of the 140 organisations represented was reflected in the crowd of 40,000 people who lined the street to cheer them on.

Motorbikes revved and rumbled and people on balconies cheered as those dressed in as outrageous a costume as they could muster – often accompanied by a pooch – strode along the street nonchalantly.

Dressed in a figure-hugging red dress, a flowing blond wig and a baby blue feather boa, Reid Morrison served snags in bread to the masses.

His first time in drag – "I think I pull it off pretty well" – and his first time at the march, he said it was a great turnout. "It's really inspiring to see everyone get on board."

Young children pushed their way to the front to get a glimpse of the Dykes on Bikes or Darth Vader.

It was the first time at the march for former police officer Ricci Hawkins' two children. She came all the way from Phillip Island with her former partner and her two children.

Ms Hawkins said bringing the kids along helped them understand gay people were no different, just a part of the wider diverse community.

It was also a chance to "see funny people and all the costumes", according to the kids.

In a first, a Victorian Premier led the parade, with Daniel Andrews flanked by cabinet ministers including the Minister for Equality Martin Foley.

Mr Foley said while the march was a celebration of all that had been achieved in the fight for gay rights, there was still some way to go towards achieving equality.

"LGBTI Victorians still suffer discrimination. Families and relationships aren't valued equally under the law and proper recognition is yet to be achieved."

It was a sentiment  echoed by marchers and bystanders alike.

For the 20th year, bisexual woman Alison Thorne marched as part of political group Radical Women.

This time around, she walked under a Sassy Socialist Feminists and Rowdy Radicals banner.

She said there has been a lot of changes in the march since she first attended in 1996. "It's bigger, broader, the breadth is fantastic, it's very democratic."

Ms Thorne said it was certainly "a step forward" to have a premier lead the march.

"Supporting Pride March is a symbol, what we want to see is actions."

As a former teacher, she was particularly pleased to see the Australian Education Union contingent.

"In the early '80s, it wasn't possible to be an out lesbian teacher. Now there are things like the Safe Schools Coalition."

At the end of the march, the crowd gathered at Catani Gardens to enjoy the company of friends, some food, drinks and live music as the sun finally peeked out through the clouds.

Nek, a gay man of Greek descent, said he had been attending the more "community-based" march, as well as, occasionally, the more flamboyant Sydney Mardi Gras for 10 years.

He said it was important for the LGBTI community to have a day to get together that also welcomed the broader community. "It's a great day and it increases awareness. It shows a bit of solidarity."