HUNDREDS of people from Gloucester's LGBT community took part in Gloucestershire Pride's 2014 parade earlier today.
The parade, which started from the steps of Shire Hall in Westgate Street before moving through the city centre to the Docks, celebrated 50 years of progress to LGBT equality.
A series of banners represented each decade from the 1960s highlighted key events of each decade including the 1967 decriminalisation of homosexual acts and the legalisation of Gay Marriage in 2014.
Organisations including GAY-GLOS, Gloucester Gay Outdoor Club, Victim Support and Gloucestershire Gay and Lesbian Community took part in the annual pride event.
The celebration ends today in a 'Pride in the Park' event at Gloucester Park featuring live music, stalls and a gay wedding fair.
Robin Agaskar MBE, chairman of GAY-GLOS, said: "Gloucestershire Pride this year has been about celebrating the changes over the past 60 years. It's really important that people recognise that we exist, even though there are still some people who do not want us to.
"When we first organised Gloucestershire Pride the event was a protest march. Now it's a parade which celebrates how diverse our county is and how important it is to accept everyone."
The gay wedding village features around 30 exhibitors including wedding planners, cake makers, DJ's and photographers.
An Olly Murs tribute act will headline the main stage at 'Pride in the Park,' where the placards and banners will be placed at the end of the day.
Prizes were given to the best costumes which represented each decade.
Mark Merrett, member of Gloucester Gay Outdoor Club, said: "Events like this are useful because they raise awareness of our community. Gloucestershire Pride is more of a celebration than a protest march now, and it's great to remind people of our existence."
Christiane Nicholson, senior service delivery manager for Gloucestershire Victim Support, said: "We're here to show people there is support available for victims of hate crime. Sadly people are still targeted because of their sexuality and life choices.
"People who have different life experiences and choices should be celebrated as much as everyone else."
