Hundreds join Delhi’s 10th Queer Pride march, ‘why criminalise love,’ they ask

Members and supporters of the LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender) groups during Delhi's 10th Queer Pride march in New Delhi on Sunday. November 12, 2017. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

Hundreds of gay rights activists and supporters, many wearing colorful costumes and holding balloons, marched through Delhi on Sunday in celebration but also defiance as India continues to outlaw homosexual acts. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

As people chanted and marched to the beat of drums during New Delhi's 10th annual Queer Pride march, many said they were frustrated with the law but also hoped it would soon change. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

Manak Matiyani, one of the organizers, said his wealth and education allowed him to live as openly gay but it was much harder for those with less privilege. "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. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

One of the participants wore a wig that he said was inspired by the Disney Channel character Hannah Montana. He said he would sing and dance, as long as he didn't trip over his heels, but was frustrated with authorities. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

Indian law makes gay sex punishable by up to 10 years in prison. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

Matiyani said the law is often used by the police and community members to threaten people or extort money from them.

In 2009, the Delhi High Court declared the law unconstitutional. But that was overturned four years later when the Supreme Court decided it should be a decision for the parliament, not the judiciary. Last year, the top court said it would reconsider its decision. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

Over the past decade, homosexuals have gained some degree of acceptance in the country, especially in big cities.(Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

Many bars have gay nights, and some high-profile Bollywood films have dealt with gay issues. (Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

(Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

(Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

(Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

(Express photo: Abhinav Saha)

(Express photo: Abhinav Saha)