Gay pride parade taken out along Marina Beach in Chennai

Hundreds of members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community turned out of their shells to hail their existence in the society by taking out the Rainbow Parade here on Sunday.

Carrying placards, about 300 LGBT members walked on the Marina Beach to celebrate the second edition of the 'Chennai Rainbow Pride March', an event to celebrate alternative sexuality and gender identities.

They spoke out about their rights to be treated equally in the society and stressed that they are very much a part of the society.

"The pride is so important because, it is about our identities. We are proud of who we are. We are in no way feeling bad or guilty about it. We are equals, as important as anyone else in the country and we should never be discriminated," said Kalki, a transgender.

The number of transgenders in India is estimated to be a million and they are among the most vulnerable to HIV and AIDS infection due to lack of proper awareness.

Discrimination by the society has prevented most transgender from obtaining decent education and jobs.

The Delhi High Court in 2009 overturned a British colonial era law on gay sex to the delight of gay activists and health workers, and the consternation of some religious leaders.