The Netherlands are celebrating 20 years since it became the first country to legalize same sex marriage by gloating a large pink cake down Amsterdam canals.
The large pink cake was topped with rainbow flamed candle as it made its way through Amsterdam’s canals celebrating 20 years of same sex marriage, which is now legal in 29 countries around the world.
The Netherland is one of the most liberal nations in Europe. The international city of Amsterdam is famed for its red-light district, cannabis coffee shops, peep shows, sleazy bars as well as a very diverse and specialist gay nightlife. There is something here for everyone!
Facts
On April 2001, four couples tied the knot at midnight in a ceremony that was led by the then mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen.
Since the legalisation of same sex marriage, the city has several other events to honour the event which include a “rainbow walk” of LGBT+ sites, flying a large rainbow flag over the famous Wester Church and holding an online symposium.
Background on Same Sex Marriage
Same sex marriage is a momentous milestone but a long way from equality. Even in countries that have adopted progressive legislation, like the Netherlands, widespread discrimination and violence persist, especially when it comes to the rights for transgender people. Elsewhere the situation is worse, in 70 countries that criminalise same sex relationships. Some of these countries, including Sudan, Iran and Saudi Arabia, which impose the death penalty.
Things to do in the Netherlands
Nightlife
Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstel and Kerkstraat: The gay scene is concentrated in the city centre of Amsterdam. The most well-known gay street is Reguliersdwarsstraat. Here you find the renowned Soho and Taboo bars. Close to it is the Amstel area and Halvemaansteeg, with bars popular by the locals, in the Kerkstraat you find the popular gay club ‘Church’. Warmoesstraat & Zeedijk: The other area is located near Dam square. Behind Dam square, you find popular bar Prik on Spuistraat. Close-by are two cruise bars, Web and Cuckoosnest. Connected to them is the Zeedijk, with another gay bar. Both areas are at walking distance of each other. Amsterdam has a couple of weekly gay clubs and a wide range of popular monthly dance parties. The weekly gay minded clubs Nyx. The most famous parties are Rapido (four times a year), Bear Necessity and Funhouse.
Activities
Van Gogh Museum, The Van Gogh Museum is an art museum dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Anne Frank House, which is a writer’s house a biographical museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Rijksmuseum, which is a Dutch national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. The museum is located at the Museum Square in the borough Amsterdam South, close to the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Concertgebouw.
Boat trip, it is possible to see Amsterdam from the water. There are different tours you can book.
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