Last weekend, more than 1,000 LGBT Cubans marched through the streets of Havana to protest against discrimination

The event was organised by President Raul Castro’s daughter, Mariela Castro.

Although same-sex marriage remains illegal, dozens of couples took part in symbolic gay weddings presided over by religious leaders from Cuba and the US.

The wedding ceremonies at the Eighth Annual March against Homophobia and Transphobia were a form of protest at the fact that gay marriage and same sex unions are still illegal in Cuba.

Cuban LGBT organisations hope gay marriage will become legal before their march takes place next year.

Also read: Lesbian and Bisexual Women Receiving Unequal Treatment from Cuban Health Services

Of all the areas in which Cuba has changed since Fidel Castro left power, the steps towards improved gay and lesbian rights on the island are some of the most significant, says the BBC’s Will Grant in Havana.

Mariela Castro, who is head of Cuba’s Sexual Health Institute spoke, out saying.

Same sex marriage is already legal in Argentina and Uruguay and in Mexico City. And we’ve always celebrated their achievements. So we’re not interested in being the first. For us, it’s just about achieving it in the first place.”

Two years ago, Cuban law banned workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.