43% of LGBTQ+ Dutch feel accepted as reported hostility grows online and offline

Acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Netherlands continues to decline, with just 43 percent of community members now saying that societal attitudes are positive, down from 62 percent five years ago. The annual Pride survey by EenVandaag, conducted among 22,218 people including 2,416 LGBTQ+ respondents, shows growing concern over both public and private expressions of intolerance.

Many respondents pointed to increased hostility online and in public spaces, particularly from religious, conservative, and bicultural communities. Participants described a surge in hate speech on social media and the influence of right-wing, often Christian, conservative politicians and influencers.

Some cited incidents on the street involving young men of bicultural backgrounds. One respondent said, “When my boyfriend and I face hostility on the street, it’s from boys with a different background.” He also referred to online videos in which people chant “death to gays.” “We’ve experienced that too,” he told EenVandaag.

In addition to public hostility, nearly half of LGBTQ+ respondents (47 percent) said family members, friends, and colleagues are more likely now than in previous years to express offensive views out loud. One participant recalled an incident at a family birthday: “My 21-year-old nephew suddenly said that he and his friends don’t think being gay is normal and that gay people shouldn’t be so pushy. He used to be such a sweet kid with a good upbringing.”

The study found that 42 percent of LGBTQ+ individuals experienced unpleasant incidents in the past year, such as insults, offensive jokes, or verbal abuse. Another 12 percent reported being threatened, and 9 percent said they were spat on.

These events occurred most often in public spaces like streets or trains, but also at work (18 percent) or in private settings (20 percent). One respondent said a demeaning joke was made in front of colleagues, leading to persistent teasing: “I wasn’t literally ill—I kept working—but I dragged myself through the days, totally drained.”

Concerns extend beyond Dutch borders. Following the election of Donald Trump in the U.S. and the anti-diversity policies that followed, 72 percent of LGBTQ+ respondents said they are worried about international acceptance. Nearly half (47 percent) now avoid traveling to the United States out of concern for their safety. Sixty-two percent said they check whether vacation destinations are LGBTQ+-friendly, up from 57 percent last year.