Pride: orange is part of the rainbow

Pride began over 50 years ago as a protest in response to police violence in a New York gay club, the Stonewall riots. The first gay Pride in the Netherlands followed with a protest in 1977 at the end of June to mark the Stonewall riots. This has become known as Roze Zaterdag (Pink Saturday). Roze Zaterdag is unique to the Netherlands and is held in a different Dutch town or city every year. And being famous for our canals, the Pride Parades in two Dutch cities have taken to the water with Canal Pride in Amsterdam and Utrecht’s Pride Boat Parade.

Same sex marriage

In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples. We continue to champion human rights and support LGBTIQ+ organisations and communities around the globe. Still, discrimination, exclusion and violence remain a reality for many. In nearly 70 countries, same-sex relationships are criminalised. This is unacceptable, everyone should have the right to live authentically and safely, regardless of how they identify or who they love.

The Netherlands works with international partners, including governments, civil society and the private sector, to decriminalise homosexuality, protect diverse gender identities, and promote social acceptance. Through initiatives like the Equal Rights Coalition and the UN LGBTI Core Group, and with support from networks such as Workplace Pride, we advocate for inclusive policies and stronger protections worldwide.

Advocating gay rights

The Dutch LGBTIQ+ movement has made remarkable strides over the decades. Founded in 1946, the COC is one of the world’s oldest LGBTIQ+ organisations and holds consultative status at the UN. Thanks to their efforts, Amsterdam became home to the Homomonument, a symbol of remembrance and resistance, composed of three pink granite triangles honouring those persecuted for their sexual orientation.

Yet, we cannot be complacent. According to the 2025 Rainbow Europe Index, the Netherlands scores 64%, placing it 13th among 49 European countries in terms of LGBTIQ+ legal and policy protections. This represents a minor improvement in its rights score (up from around 59% in recent years), even though its overall ranking remains unchanged at 13th. Despite our progressive reputation, challenges remain, especially for LGBTIQ+ youth, who still face high rates of mental health issues and discrimination. Initiatives like Paarse Vrijdag (Purple Friday)- where schoolchildren wear purple to show solidarity with LGBTIQ+ classmates - and inclusive programmes in sport, education, and the workplace continue to push Dutch society forward.

Promoting inclusivity worldwide

The Netherlands strongly advocates for gender and LGBTIQ+ equality. Both at home and abroad, supporting gay rights is more than just painting a rainbow crossing across the road - however significant the symbolism. That is why the Dutch government together with its embassies supports organisations advocating for LGBTIQ+ rights on an international scale. And programmes such as: PRIDE, Bridging the Gaps, Allies in Action, Hands Off! and Pink Orange Alliance.

Each year, we mark key dates such as:

• 31 March: Transgender Day of Visibility
• 17 May: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT)
• June: Pride month
• July–August: Pride Amsterdam
• August: Queer Film Festival Utrecht
• 11 October: Coming Out Day
• 20 November: Transgender Day of Remembrance

In 2026, Amsterdam will proudly host WorldPride for the first time – a global celebration of equality, set to coincide with the 25th anniversary of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands.