Celebrating the Defense of Marriage Act's demise this week, Lady Gaga took to the stage at the Gay Pride Parade's Kick-Off Rally in New York City on Friday night to express her love and allegiance to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

"When I was in high school and grade school and younger, I was considered to be an outcast and I just couldn’t find my place," the long-time LGBT ally said with emotion, addressing the cheering crowd. "[But] there was a particular crowd who did accept me. There was a particular crowd who made room for me at their table, who held me up when I felt I couldn’t, who loved me for exactly who I was. It was you. And to stand here equal to you tonight, it's been a dream of mine since my very first experiences with the LGBT community…" (Watch her full speech at Livestream here.) : hXXp://new.livestream.com/accounts/4557988/events/2216000

After delivering her moving speech during which she thanked the Supreme Court and all LGBT allies, Gaga – who said the queer community has "saved" her and protected her through the years -- raised a Pride flag and began belting out the National Anthem, improvising slightly as she sang.

"Oh say does that star-spangled flag of pride yet wave," she crooned to the roaring delight of those gathered.

Watch her spectacular a cappella rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the video above.

(VIDEO) @  hXXp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/29/lady-gaga-national-anthem_n_3522152.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices