From protest to Pride
Pride originated as a form of protest. In late June 1969, the police raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York. After years of harassment and police violence, the people present fought back. What followed were several days of riots, in which, among others, transgender women of Afro and Latin American backgrounds, feminine gay men (men who presented themselves in a more feminine way), and butch lesbians (lesbian women with a masculine presentation) played an important role (Pride Amsterdam, z.d.).
The Stonewall riots are considered an important turning point in the modern LGBTQIA+ emancipation movement. In the period that followed, the term 'pride' became increasingly popular within the movement. The word was a deliberate counterpart to the word 'shame', emphasizing that no one should be ashamed of who they are, regardless of social prejudice or oppression. A year after the Stonewall riots, in 1970, the first-ever Pride Parade took place in New York under this name. The march commemorated the events at Stonewall and grew into an annual tradition that is now celebrated around the world (Pride Amsterdam, z.d.).
How Pride came to the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the first major gay rights demonstration took place in Amsterdam on June 25, 1977. The demonstration was organized in solidarity with gay men and lesbians and as a protest against the anti-gay campaign led by American singer Anita Bryant. The event was called 'International Gay Liberation and Solidarity Day' and is considered an important precursor to today's Pride. A similar event was held again in 1978. Since 1979, this annual event has been known as Roze Zaterdag (Pink Saturday) and takes place in a different Dutch city each year (Gemeente Amsterdam, 2024).
Amsterdam Pride as we know it today, with its famous canal boat parade, began in 1996. It was not intended as a protest, but as a celebration organized by gay entrepreneurs from Gay Business Amsterdam to celebrate the city and its diversity. In this way, two traditions have come together within Pride: protest and celebration (Gemeente Amsterdam, 2024).
Why Pride is still necessary
Society has changed significantly over the past few decades, leading some people to question whether Pride is still necessary now that so much has already been achieved. Research shows that Pride still has an important role to play today.
Sociological research into Pride participants (Ai en Tanimoto, 2026) shows that participating in a Pride parade contributes to a shared social identity. Participants, both members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, experience a strong sense of connection during Pride. They may wear the same rainbow symbols and collectively show that no one stands alone. For people who experience misunderstanding or exclusion in their daily lives, this sense of belonging and support can be extremely valuable.
This is also reflected in what people themselves say about Pride: it represents the freedom to show who you are, express yourself and meet others who share similar experiences. It is an annual moment when people feel that their stories matter. It gives their identities space and reminds them that they are never the only one.
At the same time, Pride remains an expression of protest. We cannot simply stand by in a world where the US government under Trump is openly targeting transgender people. There is also reason for concern closer to home: according to the latest survey by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (2024), violence, harassment and bullying against LGBTIQ people are increasing. Pride is therefore not only a celebration, but also a visible voice for equality.
Visibility matters online too
Being visible matters both in public and online. Yet the same Big Tech companies that previously spoke out strongly in support of queer rights now seem to be stepping back. Several companies, for example, have made their support for Pride less visible since Trump returned to the White House (Dellinger, 2024).
This raises questions about the role companies should play during Pride, but at ProcoliX, we believe it is important not to simply look the other way.
A free and open internet is important for protecting the rights of our own and other minorities. For us, our responsibility goes beyond that. We are committed to keeping our websites, tools and communications accessible and inclusive. Pride is a good opportunity for us to reflect on this and consider what we can do even better.
More than a celebration
Pride is both a celebration and a protest: it reminds us of the struggle that came before and continues to draw attention to equality and acceptance today. On August 22, Dordrecht will once again come together to celebrate Pride. Whether you join the Pride Walk, visit the Pink Market or simply take a moment to reflect on the history of queer rights: everyone who contributes to an environment where people can be themselves helps build a society with room for everyone.
