Key Highlights
These are the key highlights of Rotterdam Pride Week:
The Official Kick-Off
Rotterdam Pride Week 2023 commences with an official opening dubbed "Pride is a Protest," symbolizing the roots of Pride in protest and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights. The event will be held at Kunsthal Rotterdam from 19:00 on June 1st to 01:00 on June 2nd.
The night will be filled with various activities, including drinks, spoken word performances by Luis Bracamontes of Unwanted Words, and a pride talk about Queer masculinity featuring Giovanni Maisto Ferreira. The event will end with a ballroom showcase and an afterparty named ‘Under My Umbrella’, hosted by members of the Dutch ballroom scene.
During the pride talk on queer masculinity, the discussion will focus on how to adopt and spread a healthy form of masculinity, the effects of toxic masculinity on the Queer community, and strategies for breaking social patterns as a Queer person. Giovanni Maisto Ferreira will also screen their film "Touch'M", which is about their personal journey towards understanding the power of healthy masculinity.
The event will be conducted in Dutch, and the venue is fully accessible.
Pride March 2023
The Pride March 2023 event in Rotterdam Pride is set to take place on the evening of June 2nd. This peaceful march aims to make a statement for equal rights and increased acceptance of the LGBTIQA+ community both in the Netherlands and worldwide. The event is a response to recent incidents in Rotterdam and across the globe, highlighting the ongoing need for improvement in inclusivity and acceptance. Participants are encouraged to bring their friends, family, and allies, and to express their support with banners, flags, and music.
The march is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm at Kruisplein, in front of Rotterdam Central Station. The route, which is wheelchair-friendly and spans a maximum of 3 km, will pass through Rotterdam and end at Schouwburgplein at 9:00 pm.
The route of the march has been designed to reflect the history and future of the LGBTQIA+ community. Participants will walk along a path filled with symbols and memorials of heroes who have value for the LGBTQIA+ community and who have fought for their emancipation, not only in Rotterdam but also internationally.
The Pride March is organized by Pride010, COC Rotterdam, and Out in Rotterdam, in collaboration with LGBTQIA+ clubs and bars in Rotterdam.
Rotterdam Pride Festival 2023
The Rotterdam Pride Festival 2023 is set to take place on June 3rd, celebrating 10 years of Rotterdam Pride. The festival will be held under the iconic Erasmus Bridge at Willemsplein. The event promises a full day of exciting performances, featuring various artists, sound systems, and stands.
The details of the line-up and other exciting activities will be announced soon. The festival is free to attend and is expected to be an event not to be missed. Attendees are encouraged to mark the event in their calendars, ensuring their presence on June 3rd.
The event will be held from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Willemsplein, 3016 DR Rotterdam, Netherlands.
As the sun sets, the festivities continue into the night with "The afterparty MY iD x BLUSH" at CULTUURPODIUM PERRON, offering attendees an unforgettable night of celebration.
Inclusive Activities
Rotterdam Pride Week also includes activities promoting inclusivity and community, like the "Drag Brunch + Catwalk Lesson for Pink Elderly" and the "Board Game Night for Status Holders (asylum seekers)," ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and celebrated.
Pride Walk in Rotterdam. Photo credit: Alexander Suer
Engaging Discussions: Pride Talks and Town Hall Meetings
Pride Talks are a crucial part of Rotterdam Pride Week, offering insightful discussions on LGBTQIA+ issues. If you missed the previous talks, you can catch them on YouTube, where they're available with English subtitles.
The Pride Week also incorporates Town Hall Meetings, which focus on various topics related to the LGBTQIA+ community. The 2023 program and events were discussed in the third Town Hall Meeting, highlighting the planning and preparation that goes into making this week a success.
For the full Rotterdam Pride programme and timetable, be sure to check out the Rotterdam Pride website.
