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Pink in Blue: Gay & Lesbian police to join Gay Pride Canal Parade

Amsterdam Tourist Information • Posted: July 22, 2008

Nowadays many cities throughout the world have a gay pride parade, but keen observers agree: there’s nothing quite like Amsterdam’s Gay Pride Canal Parade.

Each year it seems to get bigger and better — and more inclusive.

While it is only part of a a lengthy list of parties and events during the long Gay Pride weekend (Aug. 1-3), the canal parade is easily the festival’s most visible celebration.

Gay Pride Canal Parade, 2007.
© Copyright DutchAmsterdam.nl. Want to use this photo?

In recent years up to half a million people — certainly not all gay or lesbian — have lined the canals to view the lengthy parade of scantily-clad men and women on a flotilla of decorated boats, barges, canoes, rubber dinghies and just about anything else that floats.

The Canal Parade — and the festival as a whole — provides the Gay, Lesbian and Transgender community with a way to make itself visible. The festival’s theme is “We Are…” (shortened from last year’s “We Are Amsterdam Pride”).

Among the party boats there were also be vessels with a message. Last year saw the inclusion of a boat carrying gay and lesbian teens, a boat carrying handicapped gays, an official boat representing the City of Amsterdam, and several boats calling attention to rising incidents of violence against homosexuals.

This year’s parade will feature a boat representing ‘Roze in Blauw’ (Pink in Blue) — the official gay & lesbian network of the Amsterdam Police Force.

Participating police officers will not show much skin, and a spokesperson said they will in fact wear their uniforms. By participating the police force hopes to convey the message that it stands for a tolerant society. In recent years violence against gays has flared up — in large part at the hands of hooligans from intolerant Muslim minorities.

Speaking of which: since 2006, the canal parade includes a boat representing gay and lesbian Muslims.
This year there will also be a boat carrying gay & lesbian Christians.

The Gay Pride festival was long organized by Gay Business Amsterdam, which excelled in petty squabbles with the City of Amsterdam. Last year, GBA’s reign was broken in favor of the Progay foundation — a marked improvement.

Gay Pride Canal Parade Route & Details

The canal parade will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2008. At 1:30 PM the boats will start from Westerdok, and sail via the Prinsengracht towards the Amstel. At around 5:00 PM the last boats will sail through the canals.

If you want front-row seating (or standing) you have to arrive early. By way of indication: the bridge and canals at Westerkerk (four canals west of Dam square) fill up more than an hour before the start of the parade. You’ll want to bring something to eat and drink.

More articles on this topic: Amsterdam Events, Amsterdam News, Gay and Lesbian
More about these tags / keywords: amsterdam • canal parade • gay • Gay Pride Festival • lesbian