Pride: A statement of support

June is Pride Month, which means across the globe LGBTIQ+ events will celebrate sexual diversity in all its extravaganza. For more than 50 years, Pride has contributed to the acceptance of the rainbow community in the face of discrimination and violence. We have come a long way, but there is still a lot more work to be done – also in the Netherlands.

Nicola_chadwick

5 June 2023

6 minute read

So how is the Netherlands doing in the rainbow ratings? Well unfortunately, we have slipped to #13 in Europe. This does not have to mean that the Netherlands is doing badly, as it may be an indication that other European countries have improved their record on LGBTIQ+ rights. Something also worth celebrating.

The good news is that trans representation is on the increase according to the Transgender Netwerk Nederland (TNN). TNN reports that in 2021 the leading role in the Dutch drama series Anne+ about a non-binary character was also played by a non-binary actor. The same year, YouTube influencer Nikkie de Jager, who came out as a trans woman, presented the Eurovision Song Festival in the Netherlands. Eurovision has a strong fan-base in the LGBTIQ+ community and the community has been embraced by Eurovision since the 1990s – which is why the Netherlands was proud to organise Eurovision in Rotterdam in 2021. A TNN report has found that for the first time in five years the number of anti-trans discrimination cases decreased. Nevertheless reports of violence against trans people has increased in recent years.

Rainbow Ballot Box Agreement

The signing of Rainbow Ballot Box Agreements, two years ago, is bearing fruit. In 2021, 90 municipalities signed local agreements in the run up to the local elections. The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science promised to fund LGBTIQ+ initiatives by these ‘rainbow municipalities’. In the meantime - as part of the accord - a law allowing the recognition of more than two parents on a birth certificate has been passed and members of parliament from coalition and opposition parties have proposed a ban on conversion therapy. However, the Council of State has pointed out the legal and constitutional difficulties of such legislation. Also trans and intersex people have received compensation for medical procedures which affected their fertility and bodily integrity.

Transgender Act

The Transgender Act, which allow trans men and women to change their gender in their passports, is waiting to be amended so that there is no longer a requirement for an expert to corroborate their choice of gender. Also children under 16 will be allowed to determine themselves which gender is stated in their passport. The debate continues on 26 June in the Lower House. These are all small steps moving LGBTIQ+ rights forward, but each step can make a huge difference to the rainbow community.

And government plans to develop a feminist foreign policy.

Scroll down for more information on Pride events.

Pride in Utrecht

Pride events throughout the year

Rotterdam Pride

In 2023, Rotterdam celebrated its tenth anniversary with ten days of talks, parties and community meet-ups, culminating in a major conference and the annual Pride Walk. To mark the milestone, the Netherlands’ oldest Pride event, Roze Zaterdag (Pink Saturday), was hosted in the port city.

Roze Zaterdag

Roze Zaterdag began nearly 45 years ago as a show of solidarity with the Stonewall riots. This annual event is unique to the Netherlands, travelling to a different Dutch city each year. In 2025, it took place in Zaanstad, followed by Noordwijk in 2026. Each year, you can check where to join in and celebrate with Roze Zaterdag!

Utrecht Boat Parade

Each June, Utrecht hosts its own Pride Boat Parade with a new theme every year. In 2023, the theme was 'What if… Love is the masterplan?', led by Pink Promiss, an organisation advocating for trans rights. In 2024, the theme was “U Belong” (with the ‘U’ standing for Utrecht), followed by 'Loud, Out, Proud!' in 2025. Their visibility sends a clear message of solidarity with the trans community, especially in light of incidents of intimidation. Even Dutch Railways, headquartered in Utrecht, took part – launching its iconic 'Trainbow' float on water instead of the tracks.

Eindhoven Pride Walk

The high-tech city of Eindhoven hosted its very first Pride Walk in June 2023, drawing 1,500 participants. Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem opened the city's Pride Month by unveiling a new rainbow square. Referring to an anti-LGBTIQ+ incident targeting the local COC group, he stated: “That is also why it is good that we – all people of all colours and genders – don’t allow ourselves to be pushed aside”. Since then, the event has become an annual celebration each June.

Amsterdam's canal Pride

Amsterdam’s world-famous Canal Pride takes place every year in early August. With 80 boats and half a million spectators expected annually, it remains the largest Pride event in the Netherlands.

Pride is not limited to the big cities, Pride events will take place up and down the country. With more and more locations joining in every year.

For a full list of LGBTQI events this summer check the Gaykrant agenda.

Utrecht's Pride boat parade 2023

Follow Visit Netherlands

✨🌈 Happy #PrideMonth!

Last Saturday, Pride Month in the Netherlands kicked off in the city of Utrecht! Canals full of colorful boats, outdoor parties 🎉 and lots of happy people celebrating love together: join us in celebrating Pride in the Netherlands! 👏

🎥 @maartjehensen pic.twitter.com/1q2v7NbJJB
— Visit Netherlands (@Visit_NL) June 6, 2023