Gay Pride
Straight, gay, bi, lesbian, queer, pansexual, transsexual or asexual? The Gay Pride Amsterdam is a big feast to enjoy by everyone, regardless your sexual preference. But let there be no doubt about the gay pride event, it is a celebration for and organized by gay.
Gay Pride is at the first weekend of August, highlight is the Gay Pride Canal Parade on Saterday.
Gay Pride Canal Parade
Amsterdam Gay Pride Canal Parade is a colorful procession of boats sailing through the canals. The Canal Parade starts at 1.30 pm at the beginning of the Prinsengracht at the Westerdok harbour. At the end of the Prinsengracht, the parade turns to the Amstel river, passing the famous white Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug) and passes the Stadshuis/Muziektheater to make a right in the direction of the Oosterdok.
Gay Street Party Night
The main gay events and parties all take place in the center of Amsterdam. Friday starts the first real big Gay street party night of the Pride weekend at the Reguliersdwarsstraat (Young / trendy) and Amstel (Popular / Dutch), the central Rembrandtplein and Paardenstraat (Women). The Friday popular party for guys who like to dance and cruise is (Z)onderbroek, the popular weekly underwear party in Club Church.
Drag Queen Olympics
Don’t miss the hilareous Drag Queen Olympics at Homomonument on the Westermarkt. The Drag Queen Olympics are the world’s premier Drag Queen sporting affair with events including the Handbag Throw, the 100m Stiletto Sprint and the Tug-of-War. Last year’s competition saw 26 ladies from all corners of the globe come to compete in the Dutch Capital, with many world records shattered. Drag Queen competitors wanting to take part can turn up Friday July 31th from 5pm at the Homomonument with wig and heels, the Games begin at 7pm. Qualified beauticians will be available at the Games to assist competitors and to be on hand for any cosmetic emergency.
Homomonument
The Homomonument is on Westermarkt and was designed to “inspire and support lesbians and gays in their struggle against denial, oppression and discrimination.” It was the first monument in the world to commemorate gays and lesbians who were killed by the Nazis.
Musea, art galleries, debats, readings, movies, theatres and concerts
Most museums and art galleries will organize special exhibitions with a gay and lesbian theme. You can also visit many debate and reading sessions and special concerts. Several cinemas and theatres bring gay movies and theatre productions. Outside at the Nieuw Markt a gay movie is shown outside.
Artis Zoo
During the Gay Pride festivities Artis Zoo organises daily tours where specialists will show you gay animals at the zoo.
The Amsterdam Gay Pride is a festive event, held annually since 1996 during the first weekend of August.
The Gay Pride, check here the programma / online agenda.
