Thousands take to the streets in Taiwan in Asia's biggest gay parade

Taipei

TENS of thousands marched in Taiwan's capital on Saturday in Asia's biggest gay pride parade, with many hoping presidential elections next year will bring to power a pro-gay government that will legalise same-sex marriage.

About 78,000 people took part in the 13th Taiwan LGBT Pride event, with supporters waving rainbow flags and handmade placards calling for marriage equality as they circled downtown Taipei. Some donned costumes including a group of men dressed up as characters from Japanese manga Sailor Moon while a choir group called G-Major sang as they walked with the crowds.