The Americas

Big crowd turns out for colorful gay pride parade in Rio

Associated Press
Published | Updated

People carry a giant gay movement flag during the Gay Pride Parade at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. People took part in Rio de Janeiro's 21st Gay Pride Parade to fight for more justice and inclusive society which recognizes equal rights for the gay community. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) (The Associated Press)

A man poses for the picture during the Gay Pride Parade at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. People took part in Rio de Janeiro's 21st Gay Pride Parade to fight for more justice and inclusive society which recognizes equal rights for the gay community. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) (The Associated Press)

A woman holds up a sign that reads in Portuguese "Temer out," referring to Brazil President Michel Temer, during the Gay Pride Parade at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. People took part in Rio de Janeiro's 21st Gay Pride Parade to fight for more justice and inclusive society which recognizes equal rights for the gay community. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) (The Associated Press)

Tens of thousands of people have celebrated at Rio de Janeiro's annual gay pride parade at Copacabana beach.

Under a blazing sun, revelers wearing feathery costumes and wigs held up rainbow flags and danced along the promenade Sunday as music blasted from a half dozen sound trucks.

Organizers said this year's parade was focusing on passing legislation in Brazil that would allow adults to legally change their gender on identity documents and eliminate bureaucracy involved in sex reassignment surgery.

The event saw periodic scuffles as police chased thieves who targeted the large crowd to steal golden chains and cellphones. At one point beachgoers watching the parade grabbed one suspect and beat him.