For the first time ever, the LGBTQ community in Myanmar was able to celebrate a public pride festival. The &PROUD festival took place at Thakin Mya Park in Yangon with over 6,000 people in attendance. In prior years, the celebration had taken place at a private location at the French Institute. Currently, homosexual relations are illegal in the country, but the event organizers were allowed to host the event in a public space.

You are invited! A post shared by HLAMYATT (@hlamyatt) on Jan 17, 2018 at 3:59am PST

The event was open to all in order to spread awareness of LGBTQ issues as well as celebrate diversity and those who live their lives in fear.

The event took place over two consecutive weekends with events that included musical performances, a “drag Olympics”, handbag throwing competition, as well as screenings of LGBTQ films and a ‘human library’ where members of the LGBTQ community shared their personal narratives.

Way to show your colors, Myanmar! Congratulations on a beautiful festival—keep celebrating with pride!