In the country of freedom and more specifically in the most liberal city in the world, it is only normal that the issue of homosexuality is not seen as taboo. Here "gay" and "lesbian" are as respected as the "straight"couples, i.e. it is normal to see these gay couples in the street, dating in a coffee shop, etc ...
Gay Monument
Built on September 5, 1987 this is the only gay monument in the world and is located in down-town Amsterdam, near Westerkerk and Anne Frank Huis. This monument is a symbol against denial, suppression and discrimination. The monument also commemorates those who were victims of persecution because of their sexual orientation.
The monument was designed by Karin Daan and consists of three 10 x 10x 10 meters of triangles forming a large imaginary triangle 36 x 36 x 36 meters. A triangle is located on the Prinsengracht and it is often normal to put flowers close to it. At street level there is a triangle of granite with the text "Naar een vriendschap zulkir mateloos verlangen" ("a desire as limitless as friendship), a quote by gay poet Jacob Israel de Haan born in Amsterdam who was killed in WWII World. The third triangle is located near Westerkerk and is often used as a stage. The triangle was chosen because homosexuals had to wear this symbol in pink for the concentration camps. Since the seventies the triangle is often used by people proud of being gay at Gay Pride Parade.
Amsterdam Pride
Since 1995 all first Saturday in August, there is a Canal Parade and a Gay Pride event. It is a "parade" of hundreds of fancy multicoloured decorated boats in the canals of Amsterdam. With more than 250,000 spectators this exuberant event became more popular gay event in Europe. The Canal Parade is also a way to show the tolerant atmosphere in Amsterdam.
The usual places for observing this festival are: the Prinsengracht and the Amstel River near the Muziektheater.
The Amsterdam Gay Pride is organised by the Gay Business Amsterdam, starting on Thursday before and ending on Sunday, there is a non-stop program including sports and cultural activities. The street parties are located in Reguliersdwarsstraat, Halvemaansteeg, Kerkstraat and Warmoesstraat. The weekend (Sunday afternoon) ends with a demonstration near the Muziektheater.
For more information visit www.amsterdampride.nl
Gay Disco clubs
COC, Amsterdam Rozenstraat 14
Very popular and organised by the Dutch gay rights organisation. Fridays is mixed gay / lesbian, Saturday only for women.
Open Fri, Sat 11pm-4am.
Exit, 42 Amsterdam Reguliersdwarsstraat
Predominantly men but women are also admitted. Three floors and a large "dance floor". It is usually visited by a younger audience, the venue in the weekends can fill. Exit has a hightech interior and light-show that move with the DJ dance beats.
Open 11pm-4am (5am weekends, weeks).
De Trut, Amsterdam Bilderdijkstraat 165
Gay and lesbian dance party that takes place every Sunday. Alternative sounds and cheap booze De Trut became very popular so you must come very early if you want to get in, doors open at 11pm "sharp" and close when the club is full (which usually does not take long). Just for gay / lesbian.
Open every Sunday 11pm-4am
Gay Hotels
ITC Hotel, Prinsengracht 1051, NL-1017 JE Amsterdam
Aero Hotel, Kerkstraat 49 Amsterdam
Popular, small, clean and rooms simplesnem all have private facilities.
Quentin Hotel, Amsterdam Leidsekade 89
Small hotel near the Leidseplein, is not only exclusive to gays and lesbians.
Stablemaster, Warmoesstraat 23 Amsterdam
Small hotel in the middle of the Red Light district, next to Stablemaster gay leather bar. It is exclusively for gay men.