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Ukraine

Thousands Take To Kyiv's Streets For Pride Parade

Thousands of supporters of LGBT rights marched in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv under a heavy police presence on June 23.

They marched in the center of the capital on June 23 while waving rainbow and Ukrainian flags as thousands of police and National Guard troops stood by to ensure order.

Organizers of the "March of Equality" said about 8,000 people took part in the event and several Western diplomats also attended the rally.
Police look on as a parade participant ambles past. 
1 Police look on as a parade participant ambles past. 
The heavy police presence was deemed necessary as attacks and harassment against gays and other minorities are fairly common in Ukraine.
2 The heavy police presence was deemed necessary as attacks and harassment against gays and other minorities are fairly common in Ukraine.
March organizers said that their goal was to promote "full respect" for the rights of the lesbian, gay, LGBT community in Ukraine. 
3 March organizers said that their goal was to promote "full respect" for the rights of the lesbian, gay, LGBT community in Ukraine. 
4
Marchers with pro-LGBT signs on the colors of the Ukrainian flag. (From left to right: "Bravery doesn't depend on your orientation."/"Victory doesn't depend on gender."/"Protect those who protect you.")
5 Marchers with pro-LGBT signs on the colors of the Ukrainian flag. (From left to right: "Bravery doesn't depend on your orientation."/"Victory doesn't depend on gender."/"Protect those who protect you.")
Many participants attended the event in full regalia. 
6 Many participants attended the event in full regalia. 
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A participant with his beard painted in the rainbow flag colors chants slogans as another holds a placard reading "Homophobia is a Stalinist-era tradition."
10 A participant with his beard painted in the rainbow flag colors chants slogans as another holds a placard reading "Homophobia is a Stalinist-era tradition."
An anti-LGBT protester scuffles with security personnel at the Kyiv march.
11 An anti-LGBT protester scuffles with security personnel at the Kyiv march.
Police said that nine people were arrested on suspicion of preparing provocations against participants in the Kyiv Pride event.
12 Police said that nine people were arrested on suspicion of preparing provocations against participants in the Kyiv Pride event.
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