Gay Amsterdam has been around for a very long time. Despite other cities catching up somewhat, Amsterdam is still one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. This page covers gay events, gay clubs and hotels, special gay sights, and the history of gay Amsterdam.
Homosexuality was legalized in Amsterdam as early as , while the governing councils of most of the rest of the world were busy tugging on their mutton chop sideburns and fretting nervously about the very idea. Since then many more have followed, with the real influx of gay bars and hotels happening from onwards. In , the first organisation for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders in the world - the COC - was founded in the Netherlands.
Same-sex marriages are a basic right afforded to gays and lesbians since , the Netherlands being the first country to institute this.
As a result, many gay couples have chosen Amsterdam as their home for the benefits that cities in other countries are sorely lacking. The biggest event in gay Amsterdam's calendar is, of course, the Gay Pride celebrations. On the first weekend of August, Amsterdam becomes a lot more glamorous as the city's gay population takes to the streets to party and watch the unique floating parade that winds its way through Amsterdam's iconic canals. The fun doesn't stop after the parade however, outdoor street parties and gay dance parties in the clubs mean those feeling the swell of Pride can party all night.
Venues and clubs change from year to year but are mostly in the heart of gay Amsterdam, based around Kerkstraat and Warmoesstraat. Check out the official Amsterdam Gay Pride website at www. Other annual gay events include the Leather Pride, Europe's biggest annual leather, rubber and fetish event, held each November in Amsterdam, and Roze Zaterdag Pink Saturday on the last Saturday of June, each year in a different Dutch city. While gay visitors to Amsterdam don't need to limit their visit to establishments flying the rainbow flag in order to receive a warm welcome, there are a number of popular spots in the gay Amsterdam scene that deserve a special mention.
