Gay and Lesbian Information for Amsterdam and the Netherlands

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Gay and Lesbian Information for Amsterdam and the Netherlands

Amsterdam has a tolerant attitude to homosexuals and Dutch gays and lesbians have the same rights as heterosexual couples. Homosexuality was decriminalised in the Netherlands in 1811 and the legal age of consent was lowered to 16 in 1971.

Pink Point is the gay and lesbian information kiosk in Amsterdam. It is open all year round for tourist information and souvenirs and gifts.

• At: Amsterdam Westermarkt
  Open: 10:00-18:00 daily
  Website 

The Homomonument

Unveiled in 1987, the Homomonument is a memorial to homosexuals killed in the Second World War. It is a focal point for many of the events in Amsterdam and a symbol of inspiration to homosexuals across the world.

Gay Associations in Amsterdam

COC (Cultuur en Ontspannings-Centrum), or Centre for Culture and Leisure, is the oldest (and also perhaps the largest) lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender association in the world.

COC aims to help with strategic policies, networking, promoting lesbian and gay interests, housing issues, organisational advice and human resources and finances.

• COC
  At: Rozenstraat 8, 1016 NX Amsterdam
  Tel: 020 623 4596
  Fax: 020 626 7795
  e-mail 
  Website (in Dutch, English and French)

Love Exiles Foundation (Stichting Love Exiles) is an Amsterdam-based organisation that organises social events and supports same-sex couples living, moving or planning to move to the Netherlands. The association also works to raise awareness of immigration issues facing gay and lesbian couples.

• Love Exiles
  Tel: 020 679 0523
  e-mail 
  Website 

The Gay & Lesbian Switchboard is a telephone advisory service for homosexuals in Amsterdam. It is a volunteer organisation and all calls are anonymous.

• Gay & Lesbian Switchboard
  Tel: 020 623 6565 (available Monday to Friday 12:00-22:00 and weekends 16:00-20:00, except summer)
  Website (in Dutch)

Gay Swim Amsterdam (GSA) is a masters swim and water polo club for homosexuals.

• Gay Swim Amsterdam
  Tel: 062 417 3268
  e-mail 
  Website (in Dutch and English)

The CHJC (Christelijk Homo Jongeren Contact) Dutch Association of Christian Gays and Lesbians unites homosexual Christians. It organises social, cultural and sporting events to help homosexuals integrate into the Church and society.

• Website

Gala is a non-profit group that organises homomonument events and special projects.

• Gala
  e-mail 
  Website

Gay Events

Amsterdam hosts a variety of annual and special events.

Amsterdam Gay Pride: August parade with street entertainment and activities for Amsterdam’s gay community. It includes a parade along the Prinsengracht canal.

Roze Film Dagen: The Pink Film Days film festival is usually held in December at the Filmhuis Cavia.

Gay & Lesbian Radio

MVS Radio is Amsterdam’s radio station for gays and lesbians. It broadcasts an English-language talk show programme called Alien every Sunday evening 18:00-20:00.

• MVS Radio
  Frequency: 106.8FM or 103.3FM
  Website 

Gay Guides to Amsterdam

• COC guide 
• The Gay Map 
• Gay Amsterdam
• Girl Ports 
• Night Tours 
• Gay Guide 

Gay Publications

• Gay & Night 
• Gay Krant 
• The Bent Guide 

Further Information

• International Lesbian and Gay Association 
• Under Dutch law same-sex marriage is legal, see AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Same-Sex Marriage in the Netherlands