Amsterdam Pride Parade Blends Celebration with Global LGBTQ+ Protest
Eighty decorated boats and activists unite along historic canals
More than eighty decorated vessels sailed through Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals in an electrifying display that merged festive Pride celebration with global protest.
Participants used the event to spotlight LGBTQ+ rights violations—from Hungary’s recent bans to U.S. anti-trans legislation—while four activists were arrested after splashing the canal to protest a corporate sponsor.
With hybrid Pride and U.S. flags, signs reading “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” and slogans condemning AIDS funding cuts, the parade reaffirmed solidarity and freedom of expression under the rainbow banner.
Participants used the event to spotlight LGBTQ+ rights violations—from Hungary’s recent bans to U.S. anti-trans legislation—while four activists were arrested after splashing the canal to protest a corporate sponsor.
With hybrid Pride and U.S. flags, signs reading “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” and slogans condemning AIDS funding cuts, the parade reaffirmed solidarity and freedom of expression under the rainbow banner.
