A group of people dressed in pink sailing through Amsterdam's canal. At the quay, there is a crowd of people cheering.
Source: Flickr / Kitty Terwolbeck
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Activities for the LGBTQIA+ community

Last updated: 25/09/2024, 11:29

In the Netherlands there are several activities especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals. On this page you will read about 'Gay Pride', 'Roze Zaterdag' and other activities. You will also find organisations that focus on organising activities for LGBTQIA+ individuals with a refugee background.

Roze Zaterdag

Roze Zaterdag is a Saturday at the end of June. And is both a celebration and a demonstration calling attention to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and non-binary people every year. Every summer Pride events are organised all over the Netherlands.

Roze Zaterdag was created to commemorate the 1969 'Stonewall' riots in New York. These riots represent an important moment in the history of the gay movement. The police then made a violent raid on the gay bar 'Stonewall Inn'. The neighbourhood gay youth and drag queens began to fight back, fed up with years of police oppression and violence.

'Pride Amsterdam'

'Pride Amsterdam' is a 2-week event in August focusing on the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Special attention is drawn to vulnerable groups within the LGBTQIA+ community. For example, the prejudice surrounding AIDS and the rights of

intersex individuals
.

At the end of the 2 weeks of 'Pride Amsterdam', there is the annual 'Canal Parade' in Amsterdam. The 'Canal Parade' is 1 of the busiest days in Amsterdam. 100,000's of people gather around the canals to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness. Many people also sail through the canals on colourful boats.

Canal Parade

More information about the Canal Parade can be found here.

Other activities

The following websites provide even more information about activities:

Important organisations for LGBTQIA+ events

There are also a number of organisations that organise events specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community.

COCktail

COCktail is a buddy project that pairs an LGBTQIA+ refugee/newcomer with a Dutch LGBTQIA+ individual.

Respect2love

Respect2Love organises social events and empowerment workshops where you can meet other bicultural LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Transgender Infopunt Nederland

You can contact Transgender Infopunt Nederland with gender questions, information or just for a listening ear. The information point can be reached by phone Monday to Thursday from 14:00 to 17:00 via: 085 13 03 84 6


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