CHICAGO - The music is thumping and crowds are dancing at gay pride events around the country, with some revelers saying the partying is proof that people won't give in to fear after the Orlando attack.

Festivals and parades went ahead under increased security Saturday in cities such as New Orleans, Chicago, Columbus, Ohio; and Providence, Rhode Island, a week after a gunman fired on a crowd at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The attack left 49 people dead.

At Chicago Pride Fest, security staff thoroughly checked bags and extra police patrolled on foot.

Attorney Kavita Puri says her decision to attend wasn't so much an act of defiance or perseverance. She says she'd "call it just living your life and not being scared."