Thousands dance through Berlin to promote gay and lesbian rights
A rainbow flag is seen during the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
BERLIN (Reuters) - Thousands of revelers danced through the streets of Berlin on Saturday, many of them waving rainbow-colored flags, as they promoted lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in a Christopher Street Day parade.
Music blared out from trucks as people wearing multicolored flowers round their necks, bright bows in their hair and costumes including a wedding dress, a candelabra and a Donald Trump mask made their way through the city.
The annual parade comes several weeks after Germany's parliament backed the legalization of same-sex marriage in a historic vote, bringing the country into line with many other European nations including France, Britain and Spain.
Revellers take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
"Same sex marriage is a step in the right direction but there is still a lot to do," said Samuel Monars-Bellmont, one of the revelers.
Christopher Street Day commemorates the riots that broke out in New York in 1969 after police raided a gay bar -- an event seen as a turning point for the gay rights movement. It has been celebrated in Germany since 1979.
Revellers take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
(Reporting by Reuters Television; Writing by Michelle Martin; Editing by Catherine Evans)
Revellers take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), during heavy rain in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschRevellers take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschA reveller takes part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch Revellers take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschA reveller takes part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschPeople take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschA reveller takes part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschRevellers take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio BenschRevellers take part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch A reveller takes part in the annual Gay Pride parade, also called Christopher Street Day parade (CSD), in Berlin, Germany July 22, 2017. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
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