Amsterdam to open Walk of Pride honoring LGBTQIA+ heroes this summer

Amsterdam’s city center will get a Walk of Pride this summer, a walking route featuring special tiles bearing the names of heroes from the international LGBTQ+ community. The first 52 tiles will be revealed at WorldPride, with the city providing 50,000 euros in funding, according to the municipality.

The route will stretch from Dam Square to the Homomonument and is intended to honor people who have played a significant role in advancing equality and emancipation, as well as contributions to art, activism, care, culture, and the freedom to live openly without fear.

The honorees were chosen by a dedicated committee, and the full list has been published online. Dutch recipients include entertainer Albert Mol (1917-2004), author Anna Blaman (1905-1960), and former COC chair Benno Premsela (1920-1997).

The selection also reaches further back in history, featuring figures like Xica Manicongo from the 16th century, regarded as the earliest known transgender person from Brazil, who was later targeted by the Inquisition.

Some of those recognized on the Walk of Pride lost their lives because of who they were. This includes Xulhaz Mannan from Bangladesh, murdered by al-Qaeda extremists. According to the organizers, “Mannan advocated for inclusive acceptance of love in all its forms until his violent death.” Dutch honoree Jillis Bruggeman is remembered as the last person in the Netherlands executed for sodomy in 1803.

“Visibility and representation play a crucial role in the emancipation of the LGBTQ+ community,” says Alderman Touria Meliani. “This walking route helps make that visibility tangible, and allows us as a city to continue promoting an inclusive society where everyone can be themselves and enjoy equal rights.”

The promenade will be built by Amsterdam’s GALA foundation. Because the subsidy does not cover ongoing upkeep, a crowdfunding initiative has been set up to support its maintenance.