Crain backs Amsteram as Gay Pride begins

5 August 2005

AMSTERDAM — Speaking as the guest of honour at the opening of the 2005 Gay Pride festival in Amsterdam, Chris Crain has called on gay people from the US to continue visiting Amsterdam.

The Dutch capital’s reputation as a gay-friendly city has been damaged in recent years. Earlier this year, Crain was the victim of a highly-published gay-bashing attack in Amsterdam.

As Gay Pride 2005 kicked off in Amsterdam, there were reports a German man was seriously injured at a gay meeting place in Hoorn, a city north of Amsterdam.

Police say there was another stabbing incident in the area six months ago and “queer bashers” — some armed with batons — have been continually threatening gay men who visit the area.

Efforts to tackle the problem have been frustrated by the fact the victims of anti-gay harassment and violence have been reluctant to report the incidents to police and none of the men are prepared to give witness statements.

Some 250,000 people are expected to attend the tenth Canal Parade in Amsterdam on 6 August. Featuring 75 floats, the event is the third largest event held annually in the city.

A wide range of street parties as well as sporting and cultural events continue though the weekend.

For information on the festivities, click here.

Subject: Dutch news, Amsterdam Gay Pride