The marchers wound their way through the French capital under the traditional rainbow colours of the LGBT community.
Among the slogans waved on placards were “You don't have a monopoly on families”, “Close down the Vatican” and “Neither the world nor women are here to be conquered”.
David, a 20-year-old who came from Toulouse in southwest France to join the march, said: “We are here to have fun, but we mustn't forget the reason behind (the march) — to continue to fight for our rights”.
He deplored the “casual homophobia” of insults hurled in the streets.
Participants attend the Gay Pride parade in Paris on Sunday. Photo: GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP
A rainbow flag left at the French parliament ahead of the march was torn down late Friday, an act claimed by someone who called themselves a “far-right and anti-LGBT militant”.
A French opinion poll this week showed that more than half of those who define themselves as gay, bisexual or transgender have been victims of a homophobic attack, including all levels from insults to rape.
The theme of Saturday's event was homophobia in sport.