In pictures: Brazil gay parade

Some two million people have taken part in the Sao Paulo Gay Parade - one of the largest gay pride events ever.

Gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals called for the legalisation of gay marriages.

According to the organisers, large numbers of heterosexual supporters and tourists joined in.

Sound systems kept revellers dancing all along the way.

Many waved rainbow-coloured flags while they marched along Avenida Paulista, one of the city's main streets.

Marriages between homosexuals are only permitted in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.