Bryan Monte – Amsterdam 2013 LGBT Canal Parade

Photos from the 18^th Annual LGBT Canal Parade, Amsterdam, August 2013
by Bryan Monte

Amsterdam and the Netherlands has had a reputation for toleration and cultural diversity for decennia. One “reflection” of this is the annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual boat parade that encircles the Grachtengordel (translation: canal belt) of Amsterdam with a route starting on the Prinsengracht, then over the Amstel River and ending at the Ij. The theme of this year’s parade was “Reflect.”

In addition to boats from LGBT businesses and organizations, the parade also featured floats from some Dutch political parties, the police and the armed forces. On board three of the boats were the Ministers of Defence, Finance and Education, Culture and Science. This year’s parade also included a float sponsored by the KNVB, the Dutch National Football (American English: Soccer) Association with players and coaches including former Dutch national team coach, Louis van Gaal and former Ajax (Amsterdam) footballer, Patrick Kluivert.

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