Bengaluru Pride and Karnataka Queer Habba 2014

The 6th annual Gay Pride March and Karnataka Queer Habba was taken out today in Bengaluru by the 14-year-old Coalition of Sexuality Minority Rights (CSMR).

Over 300 members of the LGBT community, along with supporters and well wishers marched to raise awareness over LGBT issues.

The march started from outside the Post Office at the Bengaluru City Railway Station and ended at the Chandrashekar Azad Ground in Malleswaram, a distance of about 4 km.

The marchers said they hoped to send a message for the repeal of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, an interpretation of which criminalises homosexuality in India.

"We are not criminals - and should not be treated as such," said one participant, wearing colourful spikes on his head, high heels and a T-shirt proclaiming he was 'Lad Gaga.'

A young woman said this was one time of the year where she could openly talk about who she was.

Marchers also called on the various companies functioning in Bengaluru to create an accepting, open and non-discriminative atmosphere at work places for people of alternate sexualities.

CSMR had raised awareness, support and funds for the march by campaigning on social media websites. The march was the culmination of 10 days worth events surrounding the issue.