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Amsterdam
is a city of hyperbole - Holland.
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The most enlightened and liberal gay
mecca in Europe, perhaps in the world. The gay community is so
socially integrated, that it is difficult to distinguish a
gay/lesbian ‘style and scene’ that differs from Amsterdam’s
own traditional tolerance and acceptance.
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Gay people in Holland enjoy the benefits of marriage rights. Same-sex marriages are legally recognized on an equal footing with heterosexual unions.
Gays and lesbians in Holland won the right to get legally married in 2000. They can serve in the military, not worry about social or legal discrimination, and generally display affection in public without fear of harassment. Likewise, legislation has made it legal for gay and lesbian couples to adopt children. As for tourism, gays are not only welcome but also officially encouraged to come. What other European city would erect a Gay Monument, the
world's first monument to honor persecuted gay men and lesbians?
In order to get married in Holland, one of the persons getting married must be a Dutch citizen. For more information, please contact your nearest Netherlands Consulate General.
Amsterdam hosts many big and small gay events and activities. From the outgoing Amsterdam Gay Pride Event to more private saunas and gyms, Amsterdam is the gay place-to-be.
CELEBRATIONS
One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam in all of its giddy glory is to be in town on
Queen's Day, April 30th, the annual nationwide street party, celebrating the
queen's birthday. Everyone and everybody in Amsterdam finds themselves on the streets all day long for boisterous and good-natured celebrating, with gay and lesbian bashes all over town. A month before
Queen's Day, towards the end of March, Amsterdam hosts the Fetish Fantasy Weekend. Several leather parties will take place throughout town.
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The first weekend in August brings Amsterdam Gay Pride with numerous festivities, ceremonies, cultural activities and, best of all, a canal parade comprised of boat after boat of outrageous floats. The entire city turns gay for the weekend! Then, by the end of October
it's time for Amsterdam Leather Pride, one of Europe's biggest events for those into the leather hard scene.
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Amsterdam is not a big city - most venues are within walking distance. Almost all the gay nightlife can be found in the city center, whether you like bars or discos.
AREAS
Even though there are bars, clubs, cafes, and hotels all over the city, there are four specific gay areas:
The Reguliersdwarsstraat area is Amsterdam's street of trendy gay bars for well-groomed men and women. Especially in summertime, on warmer evenings the street in front of the bars is a favorite hangout for many locals.
The bars along the Amstel River and the adjacent Halvemaansteeg draw a cheerful mix of clones, older guys, and anyone else who loves to sip their beer in tuneful surroundings.
The cruisier and more "leather-specified" Warmoesstraat, is in the heart of the red-light district. Many leather bars are located here and you can also find the famous leather shop
"Mr. B." for all your toys and clothes.
The Kerkstraat area is one of the oldest gay areas in town, and is situated near the Leidseplein. The Kerkstraat is a cozy, gay-friendly neighborhood with some pleasant gay cafes, and a few neighborhood bars.
WHERE TO GO
Gay nightlife in Amsterdam is so diverse and because gays are welcome everywhere, the popularity of bars and clubs is ever changing and largely based on the crowds they draw.
WOMEN BARS
Generally, women have a harder time finding exclusively lesbian venues, but are more than welcome at any of the above listed bars and clubs not billed as men only. The bars, clubs and cafés catering to lesbians tend to be low-key, but they are there.
Bon Voyage!
Content & Copyrights: The Netherlands Board of Tourism
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