Hundreds of LGBTI people, activists, and allies marched in the streets of New Delhi on 12 November.

Despite gay sex still being illegal in India, this marks New Delhi’s 10th annual Queer Pride march.

Tish Anand, donning a wig inspired by Disney’s Hannah Montana, was happy to sing and dance, even though he was deeply frustrated with India’s authorities.

‘I don’t understand why they criminalized love,’ he told Associated Press. ‘Duh. They are jerks.’

One of the organizers of the event, Manak Matiyani, recognizes his wealth and education privileges that allow him to live openly as a gay man in India. He notes, however, that not everyone is so lucky.

‘We’re fighting for the right of everybody in this country to live as an equal citizen, which means that everybody should be able to live their life the way they want to,’ he said.

According to Indian law, gay sex is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Matiyani claims that this law is often abused by police and community leaders to threaten people or extort money from them.

In 2009, the New Delhi court declared the law unconstitutional. Yet, this ruling was overturned four years later. Last year, the court said they’d reconsider this decision.

From the Pride march

Check out these Facebook videos from the event:

Some attendees posted their experiences on Twitter and Instagram:

gay pride in india is what i live for — ◟̽◞̽ (@artfuIIsoul) November 12, 2017

Special guest star kicking off India’s Pride festivities

Additionally, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Alaska Thunderfuck even performed at New Delhi club Kitty Su on 10 November, two days before the Pride march.

‘I can’t express my joy at the direction Kitty Su has taken. We are not only hosting successful events, we are redefining set society norms, and I am proud to say that we are making a difference,’ said Keshav Suri, executive director of LaLit Suri Hospitality group, in a statement.

‘While championing the change, I am getting to tick my bucket list. I am a huge fan of Alaska and to have her perform at Kitty Su is like a dream come true. Ask us for the moon, someday, we might get you that as well.’