In pictures: Gay pride celebrations

Hundreds of thousands of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transsexuals have been celebrating in the streets of cities across the world.

The events included a crowd of half a million in Paris, led by the city's gay mayor, Bertrand Delanoe.

By contrast, the gay parade in the Croatian capital, Zagreb - its first-ever - involved just a few hundred people, with police lining the route as participants were jeered and heckled.

In Paris, flamboyant costumes were the order of the day

Colourful couples were keen to show their affection

Some had clearly put some real effort into their outfits (AP)

In Israel, the crowd was in a party mood

But some used the event to protest against Israeli occupation of Palestinian areas

In Mexico (left) and Austria people put in a spectacular display (AP)

While in Croatia's first ever gay pride march the police were required to protect participants

In Manila, gays and lesbians staged a rally calling for an end to discrimination