Moroccan, Jewish boats in Gay Pride Amsterdam; first U.S. boat included

During the lottery for 'Gay pride' contenders, Sunday evening, it was determined that this year's Gay Pride parade in Amsterdam on August 2nd will feature a Jewish, an American, and a Moroccan boat for the first time. 120 boats entered the lottery. The Gay Pride parade will be held from July 26 to August 3rd, around the theme: 'Listen'.

"Listen to each other, try to understand and appreciate each other, but also listen to yourself and follow your heart," said Irene Hemelaar, director of the Gay Pride Foundation Amsterdam. The situation of gays and lesbians is worsening in various countries in the world. The festival highlights the importance to keep monitoring human rights and the emancipation of gays, according to the director, who cites the recent anti-gay laws in Russia and Uganda. Every year many gays, lesbians, transsexuals, and bisexuals from across the world seek refuge in Amsterdam, because they have to hide who they are in their country of birth. The American boat, Freedom to Marry wants to promote same-sex marriages in the U.S.A., The Jewish boat is an initiative of Exodays and wants to attract attention to their new international event for Jewish lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and trans genders (LHBT's). The Moroccan boat wants to break with taboos and attract attention to the Moroccan LHBT's.