Amsterdam Gay Pride
Amsterdam Gay Pride is a huge celebration of devotion towards equality for the gay, lesbian and transgender communities, held from 28 July to 5 August 2012. This year's theme is 'On the Move', so expect the parties, the Drag Queen Olympics and, of course, the world-famous canal parade to be particularly sporty this time round.
Amsterdam: gay capital
Amsterdam's famous liberal-mindedness over the years has encouraged a welcoming and safe environment for gays, lesbians and transgenders to both visit and live in.
Amsterdam's gay rights history, from early-day tolerance to modern Mayoral celebrants has meant Amsterdam has always been at the world forefront in striving for equality for the gay community.
We are proud
As a result Amsterdam Gay Pride remains one of the best celebrations of its kind around the globe. It takes place over the first weekend of August every year, drawing more than 350,000 gay and straight participants and visitors to stay and play in Amsterdam.
The city is a rainbow of events in gay and straight venues alike, from dance parties to film festivals, sporting events, culture and more. The 2012 theme 'On the Move' will pay particular attention to homophobia in sport, giving a voice to sports clubs and sportspeople from throughout the world.
Whatever floats your boat
The canal parade is the festival's centrepiece, where lavishly decorated barges give the term 'float' a literal meaning. On Saturday 4 August, participants on 80 vessels will soak up the Dutch sun and put on a show with their onboard DJs, ridiculous themes and plenty of smiles, pleasing all spectators on the banks of the Prinsengracht and Amstel River.
For 2012, 188 groups and organisations applied for a spot in the official parade, proving that the event is more popular then ever. It will also be the first time that a Turkish boat participates in the parade, representing the some 20,000 gays and lesbians in the Netherlands who are of Turkish descent - particularly important this year as we celebrate the 400-year-old relationship between both countries.
Meanwhile smaller boats line the canal walls and at the mouths of adjoining canals, enjoying the party by shimmying up to each other, forming a flotilla of fun.
Below is a video of Amsterdam Gay Pride's boat parade in 2011.
Do be a drag!
An annual spectacle is the Drag Queen Olympics with events like the Stiletto Sprint, Handbag Discus and the 'Tug of Love'. Like a dressage competition, looks are as important as sporting prowess. All kings and queens are welcome on this rearranged yet even playing field, taking place on Friday 3 August at the homomonument. For more information visit Drag Queen Olympics.
For more information on Gay Pride, visit We Are Proud
For more information about GLBT tourism, visit GAYtic
All photos by Tineke van der Pouw Kraan.
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