Thousands of people from Taiwan’s gay and lesbian community marched through the streets of Taipei to demand recognition of same-sex marriage and equal rights, organizers said.

The island’s seventh annual Gay Pride Parade, with an estimated turnout of 25,000, also attracted supporters from neighboring Hong Kong, Japan and South East Asian countries, they said.

“We urge the government to better protect gay human rights including same-sex unions so we can have the same legal rights as heterosexual couples,” said chief organizer Tung Chu-chu.

Rainbow flags, balloons and placards were in abundance as participants gathered in a square outside the presidential office, with dress varying from period costumes to swimming trunks.