TAIPEI -- Thousands of gay rights supporters marched through Taiwan's capital Saturday, hoisting rainbow-colored flags symbolizing their movement.

The demonstrators -- some dressed as brides and grooms, others as nurses and sailors -- weaved their way through one of Taipei's busiest shopping areas on their way to a plaza in front of the city government building.

They marched in groups under banners of different colors -- red deemed a symbol of sex, orange a symbol of power.

Some women wore military uniforms. Many other demonstrators waved white and pink balloons.

Saturday's march was the fifth annual gay parade in Taipei. Organizers said about 7,000 participated, up from last year's 2,000.

Xiao Wei, who donned a wig and dressed as Queen Mary, said Taipei has become a more gay-friendly city as residents stop viewing them as perverted.

However, he said, "Most gays are still too shy. Quite a number of them hide amid the spectators and don't have the courage to join us."