AMSTERDAM, Aug 7 (Reuters) – Amsterdam capped a month of occasions commemorating the twenty fifth anniversary of its first Homosexual Satisfaction competition with a “Satisfaction Stroll” by way of town’s historic centre on Saturday that drew round 10,000 contributors carrying flags and an unlimited rainbow banner.
Normally one of many largest occasions of the 12 months in Amsterdam, the competition has historically ended with a flotilla alongside town’s canals, with events, music and dancing on the boats, quays, and in bars and other people’s homes. However the canal parade was cancelled in 2020 and once more this 12 months as a result of coronavirus pandemic.
Saturday’s Satisfaction Stroll was billed as probability for Amsterdammers to not simply have a celebration however to actively take part and present their help for LGBT rights below risk within the Netherlands and all over the world.
“Occasions have modified, and now lots of (homosexual individuals) do not feel protected anymore, even in Amsterdam 70 % do not dare to stroll holding palms,” stated Siep de Haan, who launched the primary boat parade in 1996.
Amsterdam “was a homosexual paradise 25 years in the past and we now have to get that again,” he informed native broadcaster AT5.
Flags from 71 international locations all over the world the place homosexuality is against the law lined the route, along with an indication describing grim punishments prescribed for these convicted.
Regardless of the occasion’s severe message, contributors wore vibrant outfits and marched to cheers, whistles, chants and drums as they handed by way of town’s streets.
The Homosexual Satisfaction competition in Amsterdam normally attracts half one million particapants and viewers.
Reporting by Toby Sterling
Modifying by Clelia Oziel
: