Born this way: Gay pride in Amsterdam

It is one of the hottest times of the season in a city located in the heart of Europe. The city's history dates back to around the 11th century. Having not massively suffered in the world wars, Amsterdam still maintains the rhythm of ancient traditions. Dug in the 17th century, the canals in the city are full of activities.

The water level is the same as the door on the lower floor of the house, so boats could easily dock right at the door.

The canals serve as a great artery for the delivery of goods, and if you were not endowed with laziness, you could easily achieve prosperity.

Today, along this UNESCO heritage site sails another commodity that delights tourists. Once a year it attracts more than a million visitors from around the world to watch Gay Pride on the canals of Amsterdam.

Free behaviour symbolizes the unlimited wealth of fantasy in a world of sex that has never eroded ever since humanity has existed.

More or less this anatomical curiosity in different countries is limited and even made a subject of taboo. It is said that “love has great power”. If so, whoever understands it, Gay Pride brings together an increasing number of "ass-lovers" every year. Any criticism does not prevent the creation of new friendships at the international level.

We are proud that now 40 countries are on the list declaring unrestricted norms of sexual behaviour, which is already a kind of national culture these days.

Let me take you to the lanes of history. It was Friday, August 3, 1996, when the first Gay Pride boat split the waters of the Amsterdam Canals. Although supervised by a police cordon, the event resonated around the world and attracted more than 40,000 visitors.

On its five-year anniversary in 2000, its living interior changed a lot, and the parade shone in all the colours of the rainbow, thus symbolizing the friendship of different nationalities without prejudice. People from Gulf and African countries became more and more interested in it.

At the opening of the Parade in 2005, all the attention was drawn to one of the leading boats, which depicted a poster of execution of two young Iranians. It was taken as a political event that caused outrage among many LGBT organizations.

This event, however, failed to intimidate the participants. Rather, it united people of different orientations from around the world even more. Today, boats glide on the canal, flying the flags of many countries and calling for tolerance towards the differently orientated.

The following years showed a slight decline in enthusiasm at the Canal Gay Parade. The same faces are seen every time, thus expressing stagnation in the show. Nothing much has changed. This can be explained by the fact that similar LGBT activities have been taking place in other countries of the world at the same time.

Pride has become younger. This is due to the fact that more and more young people, even teenagers, have shown a tendency not only to take part in this campaign, but also to be out as a full-fledged gay person.

However, one striking feature appears. Pride has become younger. This is due to the fact that more and more young people, even teenagers, have shown a tendency not only to take part in this campaign, but also to be out as a full-fledged gay person. These people also want to have a say in the world.

A 14-year-old guy expressed a desire to be on a boat with other adult gay guys. This provoked a tumultuous debate between the public and the human rights organizations where the latter defended the law on free choice.

After a heated debate, at the request of parents and law enforcement agencies for additional security, the green light was given. A special boat was organized for teenagers under 16, where young people will be under the supervision of parents and the police.

With the arrival of fresh forces, new designs and tempting ideas emerge. The mosaic of colours, the stunning music in low tones, and the eye-catching demos of the body are not to be complained about. If any of these nuances were to be missed, it was offset by another, and the overall scene produced a brisk performance that lasted until the late afternoon.

The route used to be always the same, the so-called the Prinsengracht. The parade opens at 10 am with a boat carrying a government official.

The size, design and composition of the boats are different and, as always, crowded to the brim. Different professionals and nationals gather and sway in the rhythm of music. Boats can be easily overturned. Water police often point out that this is dangerous.

Usually each boat is handed over to one organization. These are banks, health organizations, animal welfare, human rights, AIDS awareness campaigns and even churches. A wide range of professionals belonging to production, education and various political institutions converge.

Seen from the side-lines, a passer-by is led to the idea that the whole Holland is a single LGBT organization. Free style of behaviour and speech differs little from an ordinary person. And it must be assumed that it is like a daily coda, even protected by law.

It is not acceptable to publicly object and despise gays' sexual orientation. By doing that, you could be against the law. Although these people do not like any intrusion in their daily lives, they demonstratively cultivate their orientation, sometimes in a rather inappropriate tone.

On a humorous note, if the Netherlands could have the same laws as Iran, then there would be a lack of trees in the country to hang all the culprits.

But the world has never been homogeneous, which also makes it attractive. Family and a healthy lifestyle are no longer a priority. It is overshadowed by perverted performances that cultivate the norms and advantages of same-sex life. Is this acceptable to common sense? Well, it is up to each individual.

Published on 8 August 2021