Social-Democrats Favour Adoption by Gay couples
Shortly before discussions within the Dutch government are to start concerning
the overhaul of laws dealing with adoption and kinship the Social Democrat
fraction in parliament have officially adopted the view that adoption by
singles and gay couples should be made legally possible as long as it is in
the best interest of the child. It is however recognised that if such changes
in adoption-laws were to be made other countries might refuse to cooperate,
leading to a potential shortage in children availeable for adoption in Holland.
On the issue of partnership-registration the Labour-party, which together with
social liberals and conservative liberals make up the current government,
take the view that the current partnership-registration for gay couples should
be replaced by a partner contract, as the current registration is
unsatisfactory, especially where the right of succession between partners is
concerned. This proposed partner-contract should have the same status as the
(straight) marriage. To the disappointment of gay pressure groups the opening
up of (straight) marriage to gay couples was rejected.
"Glad to be Gay" "Loving to be Lesbian"
Under this motto "Strange Fruit", a group for gays and lesbians of non-Dutch
origin has been in existence for several years under the wings of the Amsterdam
chapter of the N.V.I.H.-COC. The group, run by young gays and lesbians from all
kinds of different cultural backgrounds, dedicates itself to supporting gays
and lesbians of non-Dutch origin living in Holland while being proud of their
cultural heritage. The group organizes such varying activities as theatre,
parties, bellydancing for both men and women, musical performances and lectures
by Black, Arab and Turkish filmmakers and writers. Group-members also host the
programme "Global Perspective" on local gay radio once a month. Further plans
include setting up a group especially for Lesbians and the start of a musical
group. Strange fruit can be contacted via the N.V.I.H.-COC on +31-20-6263087
or via snailmail at: Rozenstraat 14, NL-1016 NX Amsterdam. Reactions I receive
via E-mail will be forwarded to the organisation.
Dutch Gay Pride to be Held in Hilversum
On saturday, june 24th, Dutch gay pride will be held in Hilversum, the home
town of Dutch TV and Radio, situated some 30 km east of Amsterdam. This year's
motto will be: "The other reality", the aim to show to the world that the gay
community also includes people like bankers, computer-programmers, artists and
your nextdoor neighbour. All too often the media still present a picture of
gays based on stereotypes. After the Europride 1994 debacle many feared gay
pride would not be held this year, a fear fuelled by rumours spread in the gay
community that the event would be cancelled due to lack of funding and
unwillingness of the authorities to cooperate with the "Roze Zaterdag Hilversum
Foundation", the organisers of this year's event. When asked a spokesperson
for the organisation strongly denied any such rumours and said that preparations
were running as planned. He also pointed out that none of those held responsible
for last year's fiasco have been included in this year's organising committee.
Dutch Gay Pride: the Programme
In the week leading up to to gay pride day several exhibitions centered around
gay art are being organised in Hilversum and the local film theatre will
feature gay films such as: Desert Hearts, And the band played on, Salmonberries,
Zero patient, Torch song trilogy and Prscilla, queen of the desert.
On the evening before the actual event festivities will begin with the arrival
of the gay liberation tour and the party "a tribute to stonewall" at
"de Tagrijn" from 22:00-04:00. Highlights of the day itself include:
11:00 Christian sermon (which has become a tradition)
13:00 Start of the parade from Sportpark Hilversum at the Soes-
tdijkerweg leading through the centre of town and then back to
the Sportpark. Included in the parade will be a number of
colourfull and beautifully made floats.
15:20 "Femme Fatale" on percussion
15:30 Official opening by Hilversum's mayor Mrs. Kraayeveld-Wouters and the
head of the "Roze Zaterdag Hilversum" organisation Jos van der Zwan.
16:15 TV-gameshow.
17:20 Gay choir singing
and from 10:00-04:00 "IT's Zaterdag Feest", with lots of acts including
the "IT"-dancers.
In the evening several parties in different locations are being organised,
catering to just about any taste you can imagine. These include a rock concert,
a classical party, theatre performances, a women's only party and a leather
and rubber (strict dress code) party.