Amsterdam is set to permanently cement the legacy of LGBTQ+ pioneers in the very heart of the city. A new 'Walk of Pride' will soon guide pedestrians from the Dam Square to the Homomonument, with special tiles honoring the heroes who paved the way for our community's rights and visibility.
Find out more on the website of the initiative.
This inspiring project is a collaboration between three organizations in the Dutch queer community: the Homomonument Foundation, IHLIA LGBTI Heritage, and the Gay Amsterdam Association (GALA). Their goal is to create a lasting tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to emancipation, equality, and the fundamental right to be oneself.
The names immortalized on the tiles are selected by a committee composed of members from across the Dutch rainbow community. The first 52 tiles are scheduled to be unveiled this summer, becoming a highlight of the much-anticipated WorldPride 2026 celebrations in Amsterdam.
The route will follow a path from Dam Square along Raadhuisstraat, leading directly to the Homomonument—the world's first memorial to homosexuals persecuted for their identity.
Community-Built History
The City of Amsterdam has granted a €50,000 subsidy to the GALA foundation to kickstart the installation. However, this initial funding doesn't cover the long-term costs of maintenance and future additions. To ensure the 'Walk of Pride' remains a pristine and enduring landmark, organizers have launched a crowdfunding campaign, calling on the community and its allies to help support this important piece of our collective heritage.
Alderwoman Touria Meliani praised the initiative, highlighting its role in the ongoing fight for equality. "Visibility and representation are a crucial part of the emancipation of the LGBTQI+ community," she stated. "In this way, we as a city remain committed to an inclusive world where everyone can be themselves and has equal rights."
A WorldPride Landmark
WorldPride will take place in Amsterdam from July 25 to August 8, 2026, and the event also marks the 25th anniversary of the Netherlands becoming the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The 'Walk of Pride' will serve as a powerful, tangible reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have defined our journey.
