Thousands Take To Kyiv's Streets For Pride Parade

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.

March organizers said that their goal was to promote "full respect" for the rights of the lesbian, gay, LGBT community in Ukraine. 

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. 

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.

Police said that nine people were arrested on suspicion of preparing provocations against participants in the Kyiv Pride event.