Thousands took to the streets of Sao Paulo for the 26th Gay Pride Parade after two years of virtual events due to the coronavirus.
This year the Pride march was called Vote With Pride and was back in full swing in the Brazilian city.
Claudia Garcia, President of the LGBT charity running the parade, said: “After two years with no personal expenses it is a great pleasure to return to the streets and reaffirm to the public their responsibility to support representatives who are fighting for more engage just and egalitarian Brazil.
People take part in a march down Paulista Avenue to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights during the annual Pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. REUTERS/Carla Carniel
Aerial view of revelers taking part in the 26th Gay Pride Parade, whose theme is ‘Vote with pride for a policy you represent’, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA / AFP ) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
A reveler attends the 26th Gay Pride March with the theme ‘Vote with pride for a policy you represent’ in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 19, 2022. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
A reveler holds a rainbow flag during the annual Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday June 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Revelers pose for a photo during a march down Paulista Avenue to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights during the annual Pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. REUTERS/Carla Carniel
A couple kisses during the annual gay pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday June 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Thousands of participants demonstrate on Sunday, June 19, 2022 during the annual Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A reveler dances during the annual Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday June 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A reveler attends the 26th Gay Pride March with the theme ‘Vote with pride for a policy you represent’ in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 19, 2022. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
A dog takes part in the 26th Gay Pride Parade, whose theme is ‘Vote with pride for a policy you represent’, on June 19, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
“Therefore, in our campaign, we advocate the need for attention in the upcoming elections.”
The organizers added: “In its 26th edition, the LGBT+ Pride Parade in São Paulo is back to defend a fundamental theme: Vote with pride – for politics you represent.
“The event takes place on June 19 and reaffirms the commitment to fight against all forms of discrimination, in addition to promoting respect for diversity and developing positive policies for the LGBT+ population.”
A reveler wears a mask during a march down Paulista Avenue to celebrate LGBTQ+ rights during the annual Pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 19, 2022. REUTERS/Carla Carniel
Revelers attend the 26th Gay Pride Parade on June 19, 2022 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with the theme ‘Vote with pride for a policy you represent’. (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP) (Photo by NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)
Thousands of participants demonstrate on Sunday, June 19, 2022 during the annual Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A reveler poses for a photo during the annual Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday June 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
A reveler poses for a photo during the annual gay pride in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday June 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Revelers dance during the annual Gay Pride Parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday June 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
Although same-sex marriage has been legal in the country since 2013, there are few laws protecting the LGBT community.
People also face negativity and Brazil has one of the highest LGBT homicide rates in the world.
The Sao Paulo Pride march is one of the largest in the world, with millions taking part every year.
The city is also home to America’s largest gay club, called The Week.
epa10022990 Participants enjoy the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr
epa10022989 Participants enjoy the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr
epa10022994 Participants enjoy the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr
epa10022991 Participants enjoy the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr.
epa10022999 General view of the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr.
epa10022988 Participants enjoy the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr.
epa10022997 Participants enjoy the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr.
epa10022995 Participants enjoy the Gay Pride march in Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 19, 2022. EPA/Fernando Bizerra Jr.