LGBTQI History Tour of Amsterdam in Small-Group
Description
This Queer Gay Historical Tour is about 400 year of gay history. How come the Netherlands was the first in the world with a homo monument in 1987 and gay marriage in 2001. Amsterdam as gay capital how did that happen? Gay emancipation throughout times. How it was to be gay in the 17th Century. How did we get from being a sodomite in the 17th Century to LGBT now, the importance of language. This 2 hour walk through Amsterdam is illustrated with stories about gay heroes, activist, writers, poetry and resistance fighters. This is a circle story telling about the gay family, how we are all different but all belong to the gay community. This is the one and only LGBT Gay Tour in Amsterdam that will tell you that. Straight people more then welcome We start at the Homo monument and end at “het Mandje”, the oldest gay bar in the world on the Zeedijk. Your guide Henk is a great historian and story teller according to earlier participants.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The start of the LGBT History Tour, for gay victims in past, present and future. Henk will tell how the Netherlands got to get the first monument in the world.
We will walk along the canals towards Dam square, looking at 17th Century houses. Explaining how it is the first example of city planning in the world.
We will see and hear the origin of the Royal Palace on Dam square and what it has to do with gay life in the 17th Century. We don't have time to visit the Palace but it worth a visit.
The central square in Amsterdam, Holland. Has a long history, what happens here? Also everything LGBT related.
Walking through the red light district and what is the leather street of Amsterdam. Ask Henk about details if interested about the red light district.
China town, once the roughest street ever in Amsterdam. The oldest gay bar in Amsterdam. And why German soldiers in WOII were not allowed in this part of the city. We end at the bar of Bet van Beeren.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- As its a walking tour for about 2 hours you should be able to keep up. Wheelchairs is possible as we have had them in the tour.
Reviews(125)
I loved this tour with Henk. He’s super friendly, funny, and knows an incredible amount about Amsterdam’s LGBTQI+ history. It felt like walking around the city with a very knowledgeable friend rather than being on a formal tour. The stories were fascinating, the stops were meaningful, and I learned so much about people and moments that don’t usually make it into the guidebooks. Ending at one of the city’s oldest gay bars was a perfect touch. If you want something unique, personal, and genuinely interesting, definitely book this tour.
Thank you for this great review, really appreciate it!!
This LGBT History Tour is truly something special. You learn so much about past events that affect us all in the community. Who, historically speaking, stood up for us under dramatic and dangerous conditions... this is one of the topics that Henk presented to us in a very warm, authentic, and emotional way. Thank you so much, dear Henk! Highly recommended!!!
Thank you for this great review, it will help me spread the gay gospel :-)
Informative and entertaining, passionate and thought provoking tour. So much I didn’t know, has made me more aware of the inequalities and the fight to get the community where they are today.
thank you :-)
I had the most wonderful and enlightening time with Henk, our lovely tour guide. Before going on the tour, I thought it would be about the queer struggle in the Netherlands, but instead, Henk made a very solemn and thought provoking connection to the Dutch political history at every step - and how queer people were always there, and were there for the country even when the country was not there for them. From his vast knowledge of dutch history and his dedication to the queer cause - my friend and i talked about it for hours after. This tour left me with questions that I will carry back to my own homeland - who were the queer heroes in my history? perhaps history books don't really carry the names of our queer historical figures, but they were a part of our freedom struggle nonetheless, they were there even if I don't know them. He not only made the queer dutch history relevant to everyone, no matter what our background is - international, dutch, straight or queer, and he kept it so grounded in the Dutch society. This was such a well thought out tour, because even if I forget the specifics, I'll perhaps always get a tiny bit of courage from the men and women who have constantly stood up for the things they believed in & the things that mattered, to them and to people they cared about.
You brought tears to my eyes, your review captured my essence. I try to tell stories from the perspective of my queer community and let it all speak for itself.
If you are a history enthusiast, or if you are particularly interested in ww2 or the history of Amsterdam, this is an experience you should not miss. The tour offered a refreshing perspective on historical events I thought I already knew well. Having joined many walking guided tours across Europe, this was the first time I truly felt that history can look very different when viewed from another angle. The stories of people who were buried under layers of historical narratives deserve to be seen and remembered. I’m very glad I joined.
Thank you for the review. You put it exactly right, I want to give a different narrative on history. A queer perspective. Thank you again for making the effort for writing this. :-) Henk
This was an amazing tour of the city! Henk blends his distinct experiences, historical knowledge, humor and community advocacy to create a tour that when it was over left you wanting more. Spending time with him felt like getting together for a discussion with an old friend. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the historical references tour pace and back and forth discussions. This is a tour for anyone that is in the LGBTQ+ community or anyone with interest in Amsterdam history as seen through the lens of one of our proud members.
Thank you for the appreciation. It really means a lot for me that you took the time to write this and the words you used. I will keep going. Henk
This was an absolutely unique experience: Henk combines his wealth of knowledge about LGBT history with personal stories and experiences. And as a true proponent for the community he has a lot to share! I very much enjoyed the conversations throughout the tour - it was more than just learning about facts but instead diving into characters, evolutions and realities. Having done many guided tours I can truly say that this one is of outstanding quality! Thank you Henk!
Hi M., Thank you for this wonderful review :-) Henk
Henk's skill at bringing alive Amsterdam's LGBTQI+ forgotten hero's is praiseworthy. Amsterdam, the beacon of tolerance as we know it now. But learning of those who bravely fought for us and how their histories were sidelined is such a pertinent wake-up call. Henk is still a charming, inclusive and entertaining host.
Oh, thnx so much for this. Your review is hartwarming.
Book this tour. It was a privilege to be reminded of those powerful and brave people who fought for our rights before our time. To consider again our LGBTQ+ truths within a historical and future perspective. Bravo Henk.
Thank you for this review. Warms my hart. :-) Henk
It was a very interesting tour with a devoted and knowledgeable guide Henk. Well worth I think, thank you for a great tour!
Thnx M. Much appreciated! Henk
