The Netherlands. July 25th. Over 40 degrees. This is the hottest day in the history of the Netherlands.
And this is happening just a couple of days before the start of Amsterdam’s Pride Week, the largest gay event in the Netherlands and one of the largest in the world.
The world-famous “Canal Parade”, which occurs every year along the Amsterdam canals, with 80 boats and over half a million spectators, is the highlight of Amsterdam’s Pride week, which will take place between July 27th and August 4th. The theme chosen for this year was “Remember the Past, Create the Future,” an obvious reference to the Stonewall’s riots, happened exactly 50 years ago and which mark a turning point in the history of the LGBTQ + movement.
Different events will take place throughout the week, such as the Pride Walk, the Drag Olympics, exhibitions, films, concerts, STI tests and many, many parties throughout the city.
In addition to the official events, many companies are also supporting this cause and will be fighting side by side with us. A good example of this is Polette, a well-known eyewear brand, which I agreed to collaborate with. The brand invited 6 people, me included, to share our experiences while members of the LGBTQ + community.
The other five people and I agreed to undress emotionally so that we could share our experiences, but also literally. The six of us together, without any shame, will undress, be body painted in different colours and form a human rainbow flag. This human rainbow flag will walk on August 2, from 6 pm, from Amsterdam Central Station to the iconic Dam Square in the historic centre of Amsterdam. Allow me to invite you to join us in case you are planning a visit to Amsterdam on these dates.
If not, you will be able to watch the documentary which will be released shortly after.
The question remains: Are Gay Pride celebrations still necessary? According to the latest annual report from the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex Association (ILGA), 70 states around the world continue to criminalize same-sex consensual relations. LGBTQ + community members continue to be fired for the simple reason that they are different, people still have to think twice before going hand in hand with their partners in public, as well as plan their vacations taking into consideration which countries should be avoided for safety reasons, not forgetting the unpleasant experience of having to “get out of the closet” to their families and friends. Based on these facts, the answer – at least for me – is obvious: Yes, this is still necessary!
Miguel Martins
(Mister Senior Netherlands 2018 3rd Runner-Up / Winner Public Choice / Winner Best Talent)
Across the world, June has become known as Pride month, but is June Pride Month in the UK?
Pride Month stemmed from the US, which has been adopted more widely across the world, but in reality, there are many Pride months across the globe. For instance, Sydney Mardi Gras, Australia’s biggest pride takes place in February (although they do have a Pride festival in June) and here in the UK, there isn’t such thing as one month for Pride.
In the US most prides happen in the month of June to coincide with the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, in the UK however things are a little more spread out with more and more county, city and town prides becoming available.
There are over 150 pride events in the UK alone and they start in Feb with the last (outside Winter Pride) in September. So Pride month in the UK is better described as Pride Half Year!
Want to know more about prides, see our entire collection of Pride articles here. Want to shop for Pride Merchandise, visit our partner retailer, THE PRIDE SHOP.
Shocking new research shows that 36 per cent of corporations that are utilizing the rainbow flag for Pride month are not giving back to the LGBT+ community.
Research conducted by marketing experts, Rebootonline.com have noticed that only 64 per cent of companies undertaking promotional activity surrounding Pride are giving back to the community – while the research shows that nearly 90 per cent of the LGBT+ community feel that all brands using Pride should donate to LGBT+ causes.
Marketing experts Rebootonline.com noticed this spike in Pride campaigns by brands and decided to investigate their commitment to the LGBT+ cause, and how those in the community feel about the increase in ‘corporate Pride’. To do this they looked at 122 companies, of varying sizes, to see what LGBT+-related marketing they were doing, whether this was the first time they have done something for Price, and whether they were donating any proceeds to relevant charities.
The marketing agency also took into account a survey of 250 LGBT+ respondents, answering questions on how they felt about ‘Rainbow Capitalism’.
There has indeed been an increase in 2019 of brands taking part in Pride month. The results revealed that almost a third of the companies (29%) analysed had never done an LGBT-related marketing campaign before 2019.
Furthermore, only 64% of those with a campaign for Pride this year donated to charitable LGBT+ causes. This has caused a stir in the LGBT+ community, with 87% of those questioned stating that ALL corporations should be donating proceeds to relevant charities.
The survey also revealed that 9% of participants stated that they would go as far as purposefully NOT purchasing brand Pride tie-ins.
This is perhaps a wise choice as, upon further investigation of each company’s CEI (Corporate Equality Index) score (when available), over 1 in 10 companies scored less than 80% for their “steps to ensure greater equity for LGBT+ workers and their families in the form of comprehensive policies, benefits and practices”, with the majority of these failing to provide “equivalency in same and different-sex domestic partner medical and soft benefits” and showing a lack of “equal health coverage for transgender individuals without exclusion for medically necessary care.”
Rainbow Bandwagon
CREDIT: TheGayUK
Clothing brand H&M was given a meagre CEI score of 45% by HRC. Yet they have participated in “corporate pride” this year, with their ‘pride collection’- although they are donating 10% of their proceeds to “support the work of the United Nations’ Free & Equal campaign”- unlike 34% of other companies jumping on the rainbow bandwagon without giving back.
Other findings from the survey conducted revealed that 84% felt that they felt “positively” about these branded Pride campaigns, with one stating “celebration of LGBTQ is great to raise awareness, especially to younger generations”.
The LGBT+ community were unanimous in thinking that corporations should “do more throughout the year to help LGBT+ causes, rather than just for Pride month”, with 96% of respondents agreeing with this sentiment.
Pride season is well underway here in the UK – and you’ll notice that street peddlers are selling rainbow merch, but before you buy anything from them, here’s why you shouldn’t
More often than not the street peddlers (not the sellers inside the pride event) don’t support the pride events at which they are selling at. None of that money they take goes back into supporting the pride or local LGBT+ charities. Not a penny. They pay an incredibly small sum of money to the government for a license which allows them to pop up all over the country. None of that money goes back into Pride.
Pride stalls pay the prides
Sellers and organisations who are at pride events officially pay the pride to be there. This means that their pitch fee has gone into helping maintain that pride. It’s a vital revenue raiser for pride. Let’s support the official retailers and sellers, rather than those who are just profiteering off the pride movement.
Over priced
At one pride we heard that street peddlers were selling Rainbow pride flags for £10 to £20 (in London!)- which is a complete rip-off, especially when inside the Pride stalls area you’re likely to find rainbow flags going on sale much less than that.
Don’t pay their over inflated prices! Better still why not go online first and get yourself a bargain! You can order all sorts of pride flags from our retail partner, THEPRIDESHOP.co.uk.
It’s all rainbow – and as pretty as that is if you don’t see your identity represented there’s the issue of erasure. Bisexuals, pansexuals, trans, asexual and non-binary people matter too. So check out inside the pride for a proper LGBT+ stall that will sell the full range of LGBT+ flags.
Not members of the LGBT+ community
Whilst we’re at it, wouldn’t it be great if Pride was a time to support LGBT+ and queer companies. The corporate world is on full jump on the pride bandwagon at the moment, which on one hand is a positive step, but don’t forget to support your queer business family. Those gift and merchandise sellers inside pride parks and event spaces are usually owned and operated by LGBT+ people. Show them your love this pride season.
Cornwall Pride’s world famous Pride tour is happening again this weekend, this is where the tour will be stopping and where you can join in with the celebrations.
This weekend, look out for Cornwall Pride‘s tour bus as it weaves its way around the entirety of Cornwall, bringing pride to the people of Cornwall.
The tour, which is the first of its kind anywhere in the world, is going to be bigger and larger than last year’s tour and is spread over two days.
The tour will be taking in 18 towns across Cornwall over the two days – with plenty of time to get involved with the activities and festivities.
This year is an important year for our LGBTQ+ community. It’s fifty years since the Stonewall riots this Pride Month, so this should be a June to celebrate more than ever.
We’re only nine days in but we’ve already had many disgusting stories in the headlines where LGBTQ+ people have been targeted and hurt because of their sexuality or gender identity. We have had companies hiding behind rainbow branding, actively damage our community. At the time of writing, it’s the 9th of June and I have a handful of examples of high profile stories. This doesn’t count the small, unreported moments – the couples holding hands who get glared at, the LGBTQ+ people who are told by strangers (and even people they know) that “being gay isn’t normal,” and the ignorant, uneducated comments faced by LGBTQ+ people every single day.
The main concern this Pride Month is that every single company seems to take on our rainbow flag in an attempt to “be cool,” but they don’t seem to think about what it actually means. The rainbow is more than just a flag. It flies as a visual representation of the beauty and diversity of our collective community/family. We wear it as a badge of honour in memory and respect of those who fought for us and paved the way for our equality. Now it is cheapened by this mass adoption every June by companies who tend to only bring it out for a few weeks a year and then forget it ever happened. If companies can’t respect our community or contribute to us in any way then they don’t deserve the right to use it to drive their own corporate gain.
This year we have had the Home Office using the rainbow colours all over their social media while trying to deport Ken Macharia. Ken has lived here in the UK for a decade after escaping from Kenya where homosexuality is illegal and he could have been imprisoned (by law) or beaten or even murdered by anyone who took umbrage to him living his truth.
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) June 3, 2019
Ken had been detained and threatened with deportation last November when it was ruled that he could live his life openly in Kenya despite the dangerous possibilities that actually faced him back there. He was allowed to go but was summoned to the Home Office on Thursday 6th June where he, once again, faced deportation. Thankfully, Ken was allowed to stay in the UK but he still isn’t completely safe and could still face deportation again at a later date.
Youtube has been another company that have hurt LGBTQ+ people during a recent ongoing saga with Carlos Maza and Stephen Crowder. Maza is a writer for Vox, a left-wing news site while Crowder is an inflammatory, right-wing YouTuber who hosts “Louder with Crowder” on the video platform with an audience of millions.
The story unfolded when Maza posted a thread on Twitter, exposing the abuse he had been facing from Crowder who had consistently called him vile names and made outrageous accusations about him for being gay and Latino for years. Maza rightfully called for YouTube to acknowledge the abuse and to do something about Crowder.
Since I started working at Vox, Steven Crowder has been making video after video “debunking” Strikethrough. Every single video has included repeated, overt attacks on my sexual orientation and ethnicity. Here’s a sample: pic.twitter.com/UReCcQ2Elj
“Our teams spent the last few days conducting an in-depth review of the videos flagged to us and while we found the language that was clearly hurtful, the videos as posted don’t violate our policies.”
This decision sparked outrage and soon after, YouTube decided to reverse their position again and demonetise Crowder with a statement saying:
“Update on our continued review. We have suspended this channel’s monetization. We came to this decision because a pattern of egregious actions has harmed the broader community and is against out Youtube Partner Program Policies.”
Shockingly, it appears that Youtube may have been planning this for a while and Crowder’s demonetisation might not have even been anything to do with Maza’s tweets. Instead, with the announcement crossing over with the timing of this very public drama, Maza has ended up facing all the backlash and is suffering, even more, hate and harassment. Whatever YouTube’s reasoning – whether it was pre-determined or because of Maza and the backlash, their handling of events have made things much worse. Even high profile people like Grandpa Munster ahem I mean, Ted Cruz, have got involved: You can read more about this interesting take on events here.
Most recently the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) had launched a campaign with trans-activist Munroe Bergdorf. On Wednesday 5th June, Bergdorf spoke out about her excitement to help play a part in an important role:
“The wellbeing and empowerment of LGBTQIA+ identifying children is something that I have been passionate about throughout my career as an activist. I’m excited to have the opportunity to let more kinds know that they are not along in how they feel. There are people who care, people who can help and people who have been through the same things as you, so PLEASE don’t suffer in silence.”
However, soon after she spoke out about her involvement, anti-trans activists, including a Times journalist and other Twitter users became involved, accusing Bergdorf of being “dangerous,” a “porn model,” and they threatened to cancel their direct debits to the charity if they allowed their association with her to continue.
Bergdorf replied that she has “never shot porn in [her] life,” and saying that “demonising those who do, isn’t okay either.” She had posed for Playboy in 2018 but the shoot was actually very tasteful and the images captured were strong, beautiful and empowering for Bergdorf who also spoke about her experiences as a trans woman in the accompanying article. Not a single one of those photos could be considered pornographic; in fact, they were more akin to the edgy fashion modelling one would expect from a fashion magazine.
Despite this, the NSPCC has dropped Bergdorf’s campaign and turned their backs on her saying,
“Munroe Bergdorf has supported the most recent phase of Childline’s campaign which aims to support children with LGBTQ+ concerns. Munroe has been referred to as a Childline Ambassador. At no point has she been an ambassador for the charity. She will have no ongoing relationship with Childline or the NSPCC. The NSPCC does not support, endorse of authorise any personal statements made by any celebrities who contribute to campaigns.”
This sends a cold and dangerous message to the people this campaign is meant to help. By leaving Bergdorf behind and refusing to acknowledge her is cruel. How can LGBTQ+ children trust a charity who might treat them so nonchalantly? This is a cruel betrayal of not only Bergdorf but of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Especially the trans community who currently suffer the same kind of hatred through misinformation and lack of education that the gay community faced in the 80s. I spoke about this before in a previous article. You can read more about it here:
The most heartbreaking part of this is that it comes at the same time Childline, which works closely with the NSPCC, confirmed that over the last twelve months they have dealt with over 6,000 counselling sessions with children and young people about LGBTQ+ issues. Birmingham Live revealed that almost 800 calls were made to the Birmingham branch of Childline and some children have even been told to “kill themselves” because of their sexuality. These are some of the loneliest, most desperate and vulnerable children and they are being failed.
What kind of message does it send when in the news we see our very existence as a daily hot topic for debate. We are bombarded with people digging their noses into every inch of our lives, deciding whether we’re “appropriate” enough to exist or not. We see the protests in Birmingham over LGBTQ+ inclusive education and are told by strangers online that we are “mentally ill,” that “we are not normal,” and that we are “disgusting.”
Despite the fact that relationship education is becoming mandatory by law, and an injunction taken out which restricted parents protesting outside the schools, they still continue just outside the restriction zone. The protests led by Shakeel Afsar, who doesn’t even have children at the school, have recently been endorsed by Roger Godsif – Labour’s MP for Birmingham Hall Green.
The protests were also defended by Shabana Mahmood back when they first started in March.
On 30th May, a lesbian couple was brutally attacked on a bus by a gang of young men – aged between 15-18 – all because they wouldn’t kiss for their entertainment. This attack wasn’t just a homophobia based hate crime. It was a misogynist hate crime too, just because the two women didn’t want to “entertain” the young men. It’s a horrendous, heartbreaking story. Luckily the women involved have remained resilient and refuse to back down and be scared. The heroines have spoken out and intend to continue to live proudly and visibly.
But that wasn’t the only hate crime this week. On Saturday 8th June, a performance of Rotterdam was cancelled due to some of the actors being victims of a hate crime. Rotterdam is a play about a young lesbian who is about to come out to her family in an email but before she can send it, her girlfriend tells her that she identifies as a male and wants to start living as a man. It’s about how they begin to navigate their relationship and love for each other. It’s a wonderful, modern story that deserves to be told and clearly has reason to be heard.
Sadly, we can’t hide from the fact that our community are the target of so much hatred in the current political climate in which this extreme right-wing attitude is legitimised and even fuelled by people like Donald Trump with his transgender military ban and the proposal of bills that mean it’s legal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, etc.
In the UK, Brexit Party member, Ann Widdecombe, stated that it’s entirely possible that maybe one-day science will cure homosexuality and Tory Leadership candidate, Esther McVey stuck up for the parent’s protesting against LGBTQ+ inclusive education by saying “parent’s know what’s best for their children.”
The Brexit Party did unexpectedly well at the recent EU elections and McVey stands a good chance of becoming our next PM.
What does this say about the future? Nothing positive. That’s what. All that we can take away from this is that on this fiftieth anniversary of Stonewall, we must all adopt some Stonewall spirit and keep fighting. It is an undeniably terrifying and uncertain time to be LGBTQ+ but we must be brave enough to remain visible and dignified. We must live honestly, love openly and not let them silence us.
In 2018 a flag that purported to be a pride flag for paedophiles made headlines, but it turns out it was just a hoax.
A pride flag, with colourful stripes, made the rounds in 2018 and it was reported by many outlets, including THEGAYUK, that it was the pride flag for MAPS (minor-attracted people) however the rumours are simply untrue and turns out that it was a “troll experiment” that started on Tumblr.
In its report, Snopes.com remarked, “A number of fear-mongering campaigns over the years have attempted to link paedophilia to the LGBTQ community, despite an utter lack of scientific proof of any such connection. In December 2017, for instance, internet trolls spread a false rumour that the letter “P,” representing “pedosexual,” was being added to the initialism LGBT (for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender”).
“An eerily similar rumour was spread via social media in June 2018 in the form of an image purportedly showing a “MAPs (Minor-Attracted Persons) Pride Flag” supposedly created for Gay Pride Month.
“This picture does not represent a “MAPs Pride Flag.” Rather, the image was created as part of a troll experiment on Tumblr.”
So there you have it, there is no flag for paedophiles and they are not part of the LGBT+ community.
According to a new survey, only 40 per cent of gay men will attend one of the UK’s 150+ prides this year.
New research from online-dating specialist Gaydar, has revealed that while the UK’s LGBT+ community is planning a big summer of Pride celebrations, not everyone is feeling included.
Over 500 people completed Gaydar’s survey. While many respondents were excited about being part of Pride celebrations, having their voice heard, and playing their part in ensuring LGBT+ visibility, 32% of respondents have decided that they won’t be attending a Pride event this year, and a further 28% have not yet decided.
Barriers to attendance identified by the survey included – geography, cost, age, disability, not feeling included, or having no interest or connection to Pride events. A number of respondents felt that Pride events have become over-commercialised, or that they don’t represent who they are.
Over 150 different Pride celebrations will be held across the UK in 2019.
While some of the biggest events will be held in cities such as London, Brighton, Manchester, and Birmingham, survey respondents confirmed that they will also be enthusiastically supporting local events in their hometowns.
“This is going to be a big year for Pride…” said John Edwards, Managing Director of Gaydar. “It’s the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which is a major milestone for our community. This year, Gaydar will also be celebrating our 20th anniversary. Plus, it’s been a particularly political year here in the UK – I’m sure that will also be reflected in our Pride marches.”
Survey respondents were asked to indicate the key issues that they were passionate about and keen to see addressed in Pride marches.
Issues identified included – a need for more inclusion, Trans rights, anti-discrimination protections, equality, highlighting those countries where homosexuality is illegal, support for older LGBT+ people, HIV stigma, and climate change. Also, quite a lot of respondents feel that Pride should not be addressing social or political issues, or that they have no personal interest in any social or political issues.
“Gaydar has a long tradition of supporting and being part of Pride events across the UK and around the world…” said John Edwards. “We’re excited that as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re going to be helping LGBTQ communities across the UK to celebrate Pride, tocelebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, and work towards creating a better future for LGBTQ people around the world.”
The Pride’s CEO has decided that Manchester will adopt Philadelphia’s black and brown rainbow flag which recognises and includes people of colour.
The “more colour” rainbow flag or “Philly flag” which includes a brown and black stripe will be used by Manchester Pride in 2019. The flag was first introduced by the city of Philadelphia in 2017 to “fuel the important conversation” of “recognizing people of colour in the LGBTQ+ community”. The US city has a large Black or African American community, which stands around 43 per cent of the population. Manchester in the UK is home to a large Asian community, which stands around 17 per cent and about 9 per cent for black people.
Mark Fletcher, the CEO of Manchester Pride told THEGAYUK, “We have seen that the iconic rainbow must adapt to reflect the modern society that we live in. A lot has happened but there is still a long way to go, especially in the recognition of people of colour in the LGBT+ community.
“To highlight the importance of this we’ve decided to adopt the 8 stripe flag created by the city of Philadelphia, USA as part of our logo.”
The Rainbow flag was designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 and has been adapted over the years. It originally contained two extra colours, Pink and Cyan, which were later dropped to have just six colours, which is the most recognised version of the iconic symbol.
The symbol for the LGBT community made its debut in San Franciso in 1978. It was displayed at the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day parade in 1978. It has since gone on to be recognised worldwide as the symbol for LGBT spaces, venues and pride. The longest ever version of the flag was debuted in Key West, Florida in 2003.
With Warwickshire Pride’s sixth annual event just around the corner, we speak with Warwickshire’s most vibrant Drag Queen, Sassi Afrika on why pride is still important in 2018…
(C) THEGAYUK
…and who her favourite act on the Warwickshire Pride stage is.
THEGAYUK: Sassi Afrika is back at Warwickshire Pride‘s main stage this year, what can we expect? Sassi Afrika: You’re right, Sassi is back. There’s no stopping me honey. Everyone knows that. This year I’m presenting the main stage at Warwickshire Pride again. They have agreed to let me out of the cage they impounded me in after last year’s festival. You can expect lots of fabulous talent. The talent is outstanding this year. We have a very diverse lineup, which is how it should be. There is also the Big Rainbow Bake Off. I’m judging and presenting the contest. My next 3D lipo session is booked for a few days after I’ve tasted all those cakes. We also have speeches on stage and lots of fun for all the community.
TGUK: Why is Warwickshire Pride so important? SA: I believe Warwickshire Pride is very important because it is a grassroots, community movement. It’s not commercial. It’s not all about making money. It’s about putting on something great for the community. We are fully inclusive and welcoming to all people. We try to create something in the spirit of what Pride was all about, while also celebrating how far we have come. I think Warwickshire Pride pulls it off quite nicely. Y’all be blessed now.
“Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time.”
TGUK: Why is Pride important to Sassi? SA: Pride is very important to me honey. The LGBT+ community took me in when I landed on Earth and now I’m part of the family. But seriously, Pride is important to me because it’s nice to be part of something where I can be myself and be accepted for who I am. I have been discriminated against and assaulted for being LGBT+ and for having disabilities. Pride as a movement is still so important and I am proud to be part of it.
TGUK: It takes a lot to put on a pride event – do you think people take pride for granted? SA: I don’t think many people realise how much hard work goes into putting on a Pride event. I do believe that a lot of people take it for granted, whether they realise it or not. Some people are quick to criticise and point out what is wrong with Pride. But none of those people ever step up and help to make things better the next time. On the flip side, there are people who really appreciate Pride and understand how much time, effort and money it takes to put it on. I just wish more people would understand and help. But hey, we do what we can as Pride organisers and I do it all with a dash of sass.
“Sassi is single and ready to mingle”.
TGUK: What’s your favourite thing about Pride? SA: My favourite thing about Pride is seeing so many people coming together for a celebration of diversity. That and the fit guys I can eye up from the stage. Yes, honey, Sassi is single and ready to mingle. I do like seeing everyone at Pride and being who they are. It’s important that everyone has that opportunity to be who they are, without prejudice and judgement.
TGUK: Could RuPaul’s Drag Race Handle Sassi? SA: Let’s be honest, can anyone handle the sass I bring? I’d like to see Mama Ru and Drag Race try.
“We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride”.
TGUK: Who’s your favourite act to have performed on the Warwickshire Pride stage? SA: My favourite act to have performed at Warwickshire Pride is me. What else can I say… No, I’m joking. I tell you who was really good. Angie Brown. She can sing and puts on a great show. She is also a really nice person and I adore her. I also think Jordan Gray is fantastic, and Feryl is very good too. But one thing I like about Warwickshire Pride is all the local acts we have. We have at least 75% local acts and 75% LGBT+ acts. That kind of representation is needed at Pride. We have to represent the people that the event is for. Otherwise, we are failing. And Sassi don’t fail honey.
Ferry operator, DFDS is flying the Rainbow Flag to celebrate Pride taking place in Holland this week.
Dated: 29/07/2018 The Pride rainbow flag being flown on board the DFDS King Seaways in North Shields, North Tyneside
In support of Gay Pride celebrations taking place in Holland this week, award-winning ferry operator DFDS joined in with festivities by flying the rainbow flag on its sailing from Newcastle to Amsterdam, yesterday afternoon.
Coinciding with the first weekend of Amsterdam’s Gay Pride, the flag which is measured at 5ft by 3ft was yesterday flown on the ferry operator’s King Seaways ship as it departed Newcastle for Amsterdam.
Princess Seaways mirrored celebrations on its sailing from Amsterdam to Newcastle and both flags will remain in place throughout the week, during which Amsterdam’s Gay Pride will continue until Sunday 5 August.
Tuen-Wim Leene, Newcastle-Amsterdam Route Director said: “Flying the rainbow flag is our way of showing support for the LGBTQ communities both in Amsterdam and of course here in the UK.
“With the peak summer travel season kicking off this weekend, we felt this was the perfect opportunity to encourage our passengers visiting Amsterdam, to join us in wishing those celebrating, a very happy Pride!”
DFDS operates daily sailings between Newcastle-Amsterdam from £72 per person each way for a car and two people, including an en suite cabin.
Dated: 29/07/2018 The Pride rainbow flag being flown on board the DFDS King Seaways in North Shields, North Tyneside by Kim Justesen F&B BL (left) and Captain Flemmimg Langballe (right)
During the crossing, passengers can enjoy new film screenings in one of the two on board cinemas, explore the extensive shopping facilities, relax in one of the four bars and enjoy live entertainment in the evenings. Children can enjoy the Kids Club and for older children there’s a games room.
DFDS recently refreshed its dining options on the route, with two new restaurants to choose from, including the Explorer’s Kitchen for international cuisine and the North Sea Bistro for à-la-carte fine dining and sommelier-trained waiters to help pick the perfect wine to accompany any meal.
For more information or to book a crossing visit: www.dfds.co.uk
