Putting pressure on Washington for federal civil rights protections, thousands took to the streets of the Capitol yesterday, at the first gay rights march in nearly 10 years.

With rainbow flags and signs, marchers made their way from the White House to the Capitol building.

Busloads of New Yorkers made the trip, including the City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and the cast of the Broadway musical "Hair."

Several celebrities were also on hand to support equality.

"I am also inspired by the masses of all the young people here today,” said entertainer Lady Gaga. “The younger generation, my generation, we are the ones coming up in the world, and let us continue to push this movement forward, and close the gap."

The rally came one day after President Barack Obama announced he will work to end the "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which allows gays to serve in the military as long as they do not disclose their sexual orientation, or act on it.