Gay-friendly Rotterdam sex shop says it's being terrorized by young people every day

Gaytoys, a sex shop focused on the gay community in Rotterdam, has implemented a locked door policy because it is being terrorized by a group of young people, owner Piet Gamelkoorn told Rijnmond. There have been incidents almost daily for over a week. “It’s a hate crime, I can’t say it any other way,” the shocked Rotterdam entrepreneur said.

“It started last started last Wednesday with throwing open the door and shouting ‘filth’ and ‘fucking homo.’ They spat inside, threw a can of lemonade inside, threw the candy jar off the counter. And hit the window really hard.”

They also climbed up the awning and took down four rainbow flags. Two were later found on the Westblaak, trampled and battered with broken sticks.

The group harasses him almost daily, usually in groups of three to five boys. “We called the police and filed a report. They advised us to call 112 if it happened again, but those boys are as fast as water. And by the time the police arrive, they have already flown away.”

Gamelkoorn is exhausted and devastated. “I will be 80 next month. I never expected to experience this,” he told Rijnmond. “It is a total decline of our society. There is little understanding for those who think differently. That is a sad observation, and it makes me feel powerless.”

For the time being, he keeps the door locked, and customers need to knock to enter. “Safety above all. But we will not let ourselves be pushed around. By seeking publicity, I want to fight back verbally. I will never close my shop. That is the ultimate surrender.”