A reveller poses on a giant rainbow flag during the annual gay pride parade at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday. Thousands of Brazilians took part Sunday in Rio de Janeiro's 19th Gay Pride Parade, speaking out against homophobia in a country that has seen years of violence targeting the gay community. Photo: AFP

Participants in the Rio gay pride parade Sunday, which had a theme of social inclusion and tolerance. Photo: CFP

A pair seen in colorful headdresses as thousands of people flock to Copacabana beach for the annual gay pride parade in Rio de Janeiro. Under the slogan "A million voices!" gays, lesbians, transvestites, transsexuals and supporters marched along the beach. Some of those attending were reported to have been frightened by the lack of policing, and several assaults and fights were recorded. Photo: IC

A man participates in the gay pride parade in Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday. For years, lawmakers in the mostly Roman Catholic and socially conservative country have opposed a bill to criminalize homophobia, and the country's highest court has recently taken steps in favor of gay rights. Photo: IC