Thousands joined sexual pride marches in the ultra-conservative Catholic outpost of the Philippines at the weekend.

Footage shows the crowd vising LGBT-themed booths while waving rainbow-coloured fans and flags in Quezon City, Metro Manila on June 24.

The local government estimated more than 100,000 people attended the festival for alternative sexualities and identities - defying religious intolerance in the country, where gay marriage is yet to be legalised.

Several other LGBT pride parades were also held in cities including Makati, Baguio in the northern island, and Cagayan de Oro in the south.

The Quezon City government said in a statement: ‘More than 110,752 attendees went to our Love Fight Pride PH Festival in Quezon Memorial Circle. There was music, singing, dancing, and performances from artists, drag queens and celebrities.'

The first pride parade was held in New York City on June 28, 1970, one year after the Stonewall riots where spontaneous protests by members of the gay community were held in response to police brutality.

The parade was organised by the Gay Liberation Front and drew about 1,000 people. Since then, pride parades have become a global phenomenon, with events held in cities all over the world.

Catholicism spread throughout the Philippines when it was introduced by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century. More than 80 per cent of the country is Catholic, with the remaining population following Christian off-shoots. Just 1.6% are believed to be Muslim.