The observance celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It originated in Quebec in 2003 and is now marked in countries around the world.
Homosexuals are still treated as criminals in 77 countries, and being gay carries the death penalty in six countriesand in parts of Nigeria and Somalia. Brunei introduced death by stoning this year.
A recent poll showed 74% of Canadians know someone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
