On the 25th of August there was a large classical concert called ‘the Constellation of Russia’ conducted in Amsterdam. The concert was meant to show the beauty and diversity of Russia’s culture. However, there was at the same time a large gathering of protesters, rallying against the current developments in Russia on the matter of LGBT rights. This is a report from Anne Bakhuizen, President of AEGEE-Amsterdam, explaining her views on what was happening in her city.
AMSTERDAM — On the 25th of August, I took part with more than 2,000 LGBT rights supporters in a demonstration under the title “To Russia With Love”, on the largest square in Amsterdam, where we protested against the anti-gay laws in Russia.
The protesters on the square were carrying signs, singing songs and chanting slogans to condemn the Russian government’s homosexuality policies. Demonstrators especially criticized Russian president Vladimir Putin, with performers leading the crowd in cheering “Putin Out!”. My main reason to participate in the protest was the law adopted by Russia’s parliament in June, making “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors” illegal. Mayor of Amsterdam, Eberhard van der Laan, told the crowd he hoped the protest would send the message to Moscow that “love is not propaganda”. In an interview afterwards he said the city “is proud of its homosexual community and that they should have the support of the government”. Amsterdam has a long history of tolerance of gay rights, with performing the first gay marriages in 2001 as a highlight.
The mayor said he did not know whether the message would reach Moscow, but the protest was “a matter of principle”. I agree with him that it is a matter of principle to protest against the anti-gay laws in Russia. I think it is really important that not only gays and lesbians, but also heterosexuals participate in the protest against homophobic policies not only in Russia, but all over Europe. This is something that concerns everyone. I believe that every human being has to have the freedom to be themselves and to love who they want to love.
In the Netherlands and especially in Amsterdam there is –as the mayor said before- a really tolerant climate for gay people. When I came out of the closet I received only positive reactions from my friends and family. For a lot of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Europe, however, this is not reality at all. They are forced to live a secret life in fear or in a fake heterosexual relationship. I feel sad and angry when I hear their stories, but feeling sad or angry is not enough: we have to do something about it. That is why I think it is extremely important that the situation of LGBT people in Europe is a topic of discussion in meetings of AEGEE-locals all throughout Europe.
AEGEE-Amsterdam, for example, organised a thematic Summer University around the Gaypride this summer. Participants from all over Europe took part in the activity and naturally they came across cultural differences. Nevertheless, it was very educating and interesting for everyone to share their stories and experiences. There were participants who could be openly gay for the first time in their lives, and there were participants who confessed they did not know anything about homosexuality before they came to Amsterdam.
My experiences during our Summer University made me realise even more how extremely important it is that we talk about the situation of LGBTs. I believe that protesting for the equality of LGBT people in Europe can be compared to the former protest for the equality of women and the equality of black people. This is a demonstration for human rights and I truly believe that every person can make a difference and can be the start of something. I really hope that the whole of Europe will one day be a free and accepting place for all its citizens. I think that we, as members of AEGEE , can and therefore must help to achieve this goal.
Anne Bakhuizen, President of AEGEE-Amsterdam