57 minutes Ago
Honoring 53 Trailblazers in Bronze
The names etched into these tiles span centuries of history. Among those recognized are transgender pioneer Dirkje Kuik, former politician Annemarie Grewel, and Black author Edgar Cairo. One particularly striking inclusion is Jillis Bruggeman, a merchant who holds a grim distinction: he was the last person in the Netherlands executed for “sodomy,” back in 1803, simply for having a same-sex relationship.
The monument’s unveiling served as the closing highlight of an opening ceremony held at De Nieuwe Kerk. Cornald Maas hosted the evening, which included live performances, heartfelt speeches, and candid conversations. Spoken word poet Zaire Kriger performed her piece titled Rainbow Poem, while singer Jeangu Macrooy teamed up with Toby, the son of Paul de Leeuw, to perform Mr Blue. The night also saw the launch of a new exhibition, “Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City,” which traces four centuries of queer history in the capital.
A Message From the Mayor and a Former Olympic Swimmer
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema shared her thoughts on the exhibition through a video message, calling it an important reflection of how much queer life has shaped the city. She stressed that these stories need to be preserved and passed down, especially now, noting that the rights won by earlier generations should never be taken for granted. The exhibition opens to the public starting Thursday.
Former Canadian Olympic swimmer Mark Tewksbury delivered the evening’s Pride Talk, opening up about his own difficult journey toward coming out during an era when homosexuality was still largely taboo in professional sports. Echoing the mayor’s sentiment, he cautioned against complacency. He pointed out that while surveys show most people in the Netherlands support the LGBTI community, a smaller but increasingly loud and hostile minority continues to push back. According to Tewksbury, confronting that hostility remains just as necessary today, in 2026, as it ever was.
WorldPride Set to Follow Later This Month
The celebrations are only just beginning. WorldPride, a two-week international event, kicks off on July 25 with an opening ceremony in Vondelpark led by Queen Maxima. Midway through the festivities, the city will host its iconic Canal Parade. This marks the first time Amsterdam has hosted WorldPride, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Netherlands becoming the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
