The Walk of Pride Amsterdam celebrates and honors national and international LGBTQIA+ heroes. The monumental route currently consists of more than 50 tiles with names of individuals carefully selected by a committee of representatives and organizations from the community. More tiles will be added to the route in the future.
The Walk of Pride runs from Dam Square, via Raadhuisstraat, to Westermarkt—a path rich in historical significance:
· Dam Square was where, until the 18th century, men who had sexual relationships with other men in Amsterdam were sentenced and sometimes put to death. But it was also a place where they could find each other in those days: in the corners of the old city hall or at the nearby “molly house” De Serpent.
· Westermarkt is home to the Homomonument, a Dutch national memorial for gay men and lesbians who were persecuted and/or died during World War II. Since 1987, this has been a place to celebrate, protest, and commemorate sexual, gender, and sex diversity.
The Walk of Pride Amsterdam helps increase the visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community by recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to equality, emancipation, and the freedom to live freely as queer people. It is a lasting tribute to those whose impact on LGBTQIA+ emancipation has continued even beyond their lifetime.
The Walk of Pride is designed to educate current and future generations about past struggles and injustices (to keep them from happening again) and about the courage and resilience of queer people worldwide. It is a fitting monument in a city that cherishes its rich tradition of tolerance and freedom. It also serves as a symbol of hope and respect for the rest of the world.