Homosexuality is still officially illegal in India thanks to a colonial-era law that was struck down in 2009, but disappointingly reinstated by the nation's Supreme Court in 2013. The reinstatement of the law reportedly led to a surge in sexual violence, assault, harassment and blackmail against LGBT people in India.

Impressively, those risks didn't stop hundreds of members of the nation's LGBT community from throwing vibrant, inspirational celebrations in both New Delhi and Bangalore last week (on Nov. 29 and Nov. 22, respectively) in a show of pride and in protest of the homophobic law.

The organizers of the New Delhi celebration released a statement calling for an end to the ban on homosexuality, stating, "In our everyday lives, too many of us remain fearful of being ourselves in homes, schools, workplaces, hospitals, and the public spaces of our city... We march alongside a wave of voices rising in protest to defend our democratic values: of writers, artists, scientists, academics, filmmakers speaking out... We recognize that a country in which queer people are free is one where all of us are free to be who we are – to have our dignity uncompromised by fear."

Here's a round-up of some of the most beautiful, inspirational photos from the events: