Gay activists march in New Delhi

Hundreds of gay rights supporters marched through New Delhi on Sunday to demand that they be allowed to lead lives of dignity in India's deeply conservative society.

Dozens of activists carried a nearly 15-metre (50-foot) long, rainbow-coloured banner and waved placards demanding that the government extend the scope of anti-discrimination laws to schools and offices.

Activists said that three years after the Delhi High Court made changes to India's colonial-era law that made gay sex a crime, homosexuals are still not socially accepted in India.

In some big cities, homosexuality is slowly gaining acceptance and a few high-profile Bollywood films have dealt with gay issues.

Actor and playwright Zorian Cross, who participated in Sunday's rally, said the gay pride parade was important because gay people "who are so scared of who they are, they get the courage by seeing such a big community out there to support them."

He said that the gay community was gradually becoming more accepted across Indian society.

In some big cities, in particular, homosexuality is slowly gaining acceptance and a few high-profile Bollywood films have dealt with gay issues.

Still, many marchers on Sunday covered their faces with scarves or wore masks because they have not told their friends and families about their sexuality.