The gay pride is not just a demonstration of happy people just looking to party.  The gay pride has a message, and the one in Amsterdam is probably the best example of freedom, equality and a real pride, not only for gays, but also for the whole city and country. The Netherlands didn’t write the bill of human rights, like some other countries, which use them as a sign of arrogance as a symbol of freedoms – that are not universal.  The Netherlands has however reinvented a unique concept that has made this country one of the most open and liberal in the world.  

Yesterday, the 31st of July 2009, we left our suburban life, and headed for the streets of Amsterdam, where the weather was just about perfect – warm and sunny, without being too hot.  It was not easy to find a spot along the route of the Canal to take pictures of this annual event, as the crowds started to build 3 hours before the main event started.

The first boats on the Canal arrived lead as according to tradition by the Amsterdam City Council, followed by a long procession of boats with a variety of themes, from politically active themes, to those celebrating the achievements of the Netherlands and the freedoms from the city.  The share variety of themes provides several highlights for me personally, I particularly enjoyed the boat from the Police of Amsterdam – in Uniform, and proud to be Gay and working for the police, with them using the Gay pride as a key element of their recruitment drive, I found this typical of the open attitude of the Dutch.  

Another boat with a globe, with the characters dancing behind bars, struck me for the exact opposite reason.  Reminding me that there are still many countries around the world where the freedoms that we take for granted, are not available to others, with several countries still imposing the death penalty for being gay.  The theme was “everybody should be free to celebrate”.

This day however was generally a happy day filled with color and celebration, with most boats seeming to take on a theme celebrating the openness of the Netherlands, with the youth of the city dancing and celebrating all the freedoms.  Several themes thorough the parade reoccurred, the regular themes of Safe Sex, and Aids Research – with AIDS fonds (Aids research) highlighting the closed attitude of the Catholic Church.  

The was also a boat from the Amsterdam Sutdents, highlighting the theme “respecteren kan je leren” – respect must be taught, reminding us that respect for gay rights can never be assumed and should not be taken for granted.

The fight Cancer boat with sun flowers and lilies reminding everyone to use sun block.

Additionally this year there were several boats operating on the them Company Pride personal pride – a long running campaign by the gay community to highlight respect in the workplace, with companies such as TNT- all dressed in the corporate color of Orange, to  the military, and many others.  

After the parade the city moved on to the main gay areas, with the continued theme of tolerance being reflected in the openness, and celebration of the city. At the end of the day, reflecting back on the day, my thought reminded me that we don’t choose what we are or where we are born, but we are extremely lucky to live in a country where gay people have the rights to not only exist, but also to marry and live without discrimination, but also to openly celebrate there lifestyle.

I wish that Mr. Obama and Mr. Sarkozy could update there precious bills of human rights, which are now outdated.

E. Munnings