Amsterdam Pride boat parade

The Canal Parade in Amsterdam, marking its 27th edition, is set to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors with its theme #Together, emphasizing the fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the festive atmosphere, recent research indicates a decline in acceptance of LGBTQ individuals in the Netherlands, with only 47% of respondents believing the situation is good, down from 62% in 2020. The event features 80 boats, including those representing various facets of the community, while Amnesty International's boat remains empty to highlight global discrimination against LGBTQ rights. Preparations include longer train services, additional staff at stations, and designated changing areas in local businesses for participants. Organizers and officials are urging attendees to keep the city clean and properly dispose of waste to maintain the celebratory spirit. Emancipation Minister Mariëlle Paul has committed to investigating the reasons behind the downturn in acceptance, linking it partially to conservative views and social media influences.