Three million party for gay rights in Brazil

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

The world’s largest Pride event has taken place in Sao Paulo.

Three million revellers packed the streets of the Brazilian city in what officials have called the largest parade in the world.

Police have confirmed the crowd figures, outstripping last year’s turnout of 2.5 million.

Parade organiser Nelson Matias Pereira told AP this year’s participants are appealing for a “world where racism, sexism and homophobia, in all their forms, no longer exist.”

LGBT people and their friends danced, waved rainbow flags and carried banners calling for an end to all forms of prejudice down the city’s Paulista Avenue.

Homosexuality has been legal in Brazil since 1823, except in the armed forces, and civil unions are allowed in some areas.

“This is the biggest parade on the planet,” Tourism Minister Marta Suplicy told AP.

“Our city is showing, once again, its respect for diversity.”