Based on reporting by Volkskrant
A colourful vessel named 'De Vrijbuiter' (The Freebooter) was met with loud cheers as it sailed into the harbour of Zierikzee on Saturday, its masts adorned with Zeeland rainbow flags. But this was not part of the official Havendagen festival. Instead, it was an act of community resilience, a celebration that took place because the official one was cancelled.
The plan was originally straightforward. As part of 'Pride in mijn regio', an initiative by broadcaster Human and radio station 3FM to bring Pride to areas without their own, a boat was set to join the traditional fleet of mussel cutters in the festival's closing parade. The Havendagen organisation had given its approval, and 'De Vrijbuiter' was booked.
However, the announcement was met with a wave of negative comments on social media. More significantly, a number of local mussel fishermen voiced their opposition to the Pride boat's inclusion. Helene de Vries, a local co-organiser and ally to the community, explained the pushback. "Some of the fishermen didn't like it," she said. "They claimed it wasn't because it was a Pride boat, but that no other boat is allowed to participate, whether it's this one or one from the scouts."
Faced with threats from several fishermen that they would not participate if the Pride boat was included, the Havendagen organisation reversed its decision, removing 'De Vrijbuiter' from the official program. In a statement, the foundation called it a "difficult choice" made from their "responsibility as an organiser" and insisted it was "emphatically not a judgment on the initiators or the queer community."
For De Vries, whose son is trans, the decision was a painful one. "It felt like you're not allowed to be yourself in a certain way," she remarked.
An Alternative Celebration
Undeterred, the organisers crafted a new plan: the Pride boat would sail just before the official program began. Afterwards, its passengers and supporters on the quay would form a parade of their own, walking through the town's historic streets to a local café to continue the celebration.
And so they did. On Saturday afternoon, dozens gathered on the quay to welcome the boat. The 36 passengers were a vibrant mix of rainbow wigs, glasses, and shirts. At the bow stood drag queen Jimmila Von Clutch, a striking figurehead in a cobalt blue dress.
Among those on the shore was Corrie van der Horst, 69, dressed in traditional Zeeland clothing decorated with rainbows. She held up two handmade signs: 'Proud Zeeland gay mother' and 'Gay children metters (sic) too'.
For Cor de Jonge, a 64-year-old personal trainer who travelled from Rotterdam, the day was an emotional homecoming. Zierikzee is his hometown, but a place he never felt he could be himself. "I was in the closet for ten years. It was a very anxious, nasty period," he said, visibly moved. "That's partly why I left when I was around eighteen."
Standing on the boat with his brother, surrounded by community, was a profound experience. "It's fantastic to be here. I hardly know anyone, but you share something with everyone. A feeling of tolerance, that's very beautiful."
De Jonge admitted the initial negative reactions made him hesitate to come. "Then I remembered how important this is," he said. "I also want to be here for other people who are in the closet and can't move forward. Hopefully, this gives them some support."
