In pictures: Sao Paulo Gay Pride parade
- Published
Hundreds of thousands of people have taken part in the annual Gay Pride rally in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo.
Persistent rain did not keep the revellers from marching through the city's main avenue, Avenida Paulista.
The annual event aims to promote equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and to reject homophobia.
The theme of this year's parade, the 17th to be held in Sao Paulo, was "Never again into the closet" - a reference to attempts by conservative groups to deny gay people the right to marry.
In May, the judiciary in Brazil ruled that marriage licences should not be denied to same-sex couples; a bill legalising same sex marriage is still under scrutiny in Congress.
Participants dressed up in elaborate costumes to mark the day.
Many of the revellers incorporated football themes into their costumes, in a nod to Brazil hosting the World Cup next year.