Delhi:
Hundreds of people in colourful attire took to the streets here today lending their support to lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBT) and seeking an end to discrimination against their community.
The candle-lit march from Barakhamba Road to Jantar Mantar saw LGBTs and supporters donning colourful masks and scarves, and carrying flags in support of the community. The parade has been organised as part of fourth edition of the Delhi Queer Pride 2011.
Cross-dressers in heavy sarees and salvar kameez with jewelry were also spotted at the venue, as supporters danced to the beat of drums and dholaks.
"This is not a protest march, but a celebratory march," Rahul Sharma, 25, a member of the Delhi Queer Pride Committee said.
"This march is to take ownership of the streets of Delhi and to walk on the street like a normal person, without fear of being harassed or made fun of," Sharma added.
Sharma said the march which culminated at Jantar Mantar, was an attempt to legislators to frame legislation which will end discrimination against the gay community. Sharma said they also wanted the targeting of the community by the police and hooligans, to end. He said: "We request the government to enact an anti-discrimination law that will end discrimination at educational institutes, work places and other institutions against members of the LGBT community."
A two-minute silence was observed at the conclusion of the parade to mourn for the 14 eunuchs who lost their lives in a fire mishap in east Delhi last week.