Where I live, it's pretty hard to completely ignore pride. There's at least 4 parades a year (Mardi Gras, Easter, Pride, Decadence) that cater to LGBT. That's not including any other random event that may have to do with LGBT that spontaneously or otherwise gets going. My mother and I accidentally watched the Gay Easter Parade as we were going about spending time together. She actually had a good time!
I avoid the Pride Parade. July in New Orleans isn't really the time or place to be outdoors!