What's up with Amsterdam – Page 14 – Your guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam desires to become Gay Capital of the World again. Celebrating its 10th anniversary of same-sex marriage in Holland in April 2011, Amsterdam takes the opportunity to promote Gay Life in the city. Amsterdam invests €1,2 million to promote Amsterdam as Gay Capital. Same-sex marriage Famous for its liberal and tolerant views on different religions and life styles, it was no surprise the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize marriage between people of the same sex in 2001. In recent years however, the image of gay capital has severely been damaged by waves of anti-gay violence in Amsterdam. Gay men and lesbian women in Amsterdam are under attack, beaten in the street by mostly homophobic Muslim immigrants and their Dutch-born children. Amsterdam gay area Another problem is the continuing problem of gay bars that are closed in the Amsterdam gay area Reguliersdwarsstraat and Kerkstraat. The reason for the closures is the suicide and following bankruptcy of catering magnate Sjoerd Kooistra. Only after his death it was clear he owned many gay discotheques and bars in the area. Closed bars: Lunchroom Downtown, closed since January 1, 2011. (Update: 22/3, has reopened!) Club Havana, closed since November 2010 Bar April, closed since May 19, 2010 Club Exit and bar Exit, closed since April 6, 2010 Bar 't Leeuwtje, closed since March 13, 2011 "Rue de Vaseline", only Soho has recently reopenend Benefits from gays Political parties in Amsterdam are eager to subsidize and support the development of gay activities. It is well know the city benefits economically from gays. Gay tourists for example spend 30% more than heterosexuals. Also, a gay friendly city generates a relaxed, easy-going and tolerant climate, of which all tourists benefit. Improving acceptance The Amsterdam city council has put aside €1,2 million to promote Amsterdam as Gay Capital in the years 2009-2011. In December the council awarded a budget of €170.000 to gay events in Amsterdam. But subsidizing gay entrepreneurs is only a part of the program. The council means to improve the acceptance of homosexuality in the Amsterdam society in general by educating youngsters in schools and making gays more visible in the city.

Amsterdam Gay Capital

Amsterdam Museums

Tattoo Museum