Hundreds of gay-rights activists made history by taking part in Delhi’s first Pride march yesterday. Homosexuality is still illegal in India, but there is no law against being a proud criminal:

Yesterday was the biggest day in the life of one 26-year-old insurance agent in Delhi, yet he came to the city’s long-awaited first gay parade hiding behind a mask.

“I have to remain invisible,” he said. “If my parents see me on TV, I won’t be able to go home. And if my colleagues recognise me, there’ll be hell to pay in the office.”

The gay insurance agent is typical of millions of Indians condemned to lead a double life since, much like in Victorian Britain, they risk becoming social outcasts and even criminals if their sexual preferences are revealed.

Though the setting up of advocacy groups and helplines in recent years has given India’s homosexuals a voice and some solace, they are still largely a hidden and persecuted community. But in a sign of changing times, India’s gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the traditional hijra transsexual community came together for the first-ever Delhi Queer Pride Parade yesterday.

“We’re not protesting, we’re celebrating,” said Leslie Esteves, a member of the newly formed Delhi Queer Pride committee. “This year for the first time we felt confident about organising a parade in the capital.”