Spanish/Nat
Scores of gays have marched in El Salvador to demand police protection for homosexuals and transvestites and to ask for government support for AIDS patients.
The protesters criticised a recent wave of violence against gays and the lack of sympathy and support from the authorities.
The march coincided with Gay Pride celebrations in other countries.
They took to the streets of San Salvador to show their pride.
Scores of Salvadoran gays, lesbians and transvestites marched throughout the capital Saturday to celebrate Gay Pride 98.
The march was a more of a peaceful protest than a celebration.
The demonstrators demanded respect for their rights and police protection.
The march was a reaction to a recent wave of violent crimes against homosexuals, especially transvestites.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"We're celebrating Gay Pride Day and we're taking the opportunity to demand a few things including the solving of the murders in the last few months."
SUPER CAPTION: Genesis, transvestite
At least seven transvestites have been killed in the last three months and scores of others have been threatened.
The protesters claim the authorities do not care to investigate the cases and are not doing enough to protect them.
They even accuse the police of harassing them.
El Salvador's macho culture has isolated homosexuals who feel that they're treated like second-class citizens.
The gay activists also held a candlelight vigil in honour of AIDS victims.
The gay community is asking the government to take action not only to protect their rights but also to help AIDS patients, still considered pariahs by Salvadoran society.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"It's an alarming situation. The government wants to hide the reality. The Ministry of Public Health claims that perhaps just 2-thousand people are infected and that's totally wrong. They want to hide the reality and by hiding it the problems will not get solved."
SUPER CAPTION: Francisco, gay activist
Saturday's march coincided with Gay Pride 98 celebrations in other countries.
And Salvadoran gays hope their show of pride will open the eyes and hearts of the government, the authorities and society.
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