1/4 The Rainbow Square in the center of Eindhoven.
A colourful, enthusiastic procession of about 1500 people passed through the center of Eindhoven on Saturday afternoon. In honor of Pride Month, a Pride Walk was organized for the first time. The mayor also unveiled the Rainbow Square. “It’s good that no one is pushed away anymore.”
“I didn’t even know there were so many queers in Eindhoven,” exclaims Mia from Deurne, moved. “I think this is really nice to see, because it can be quite lonely at times. It’s so nice to see that so many people here in Eindhoven are connected by their ‘queerness’ or something.”
In April, a group of football supporters attacked a COC building in Eindhoven. A COC volunteer was assaulted and a rainbow flag hanging from the facade was pulled down and set on fire. “This is a beautiful one fuck you to the people who did that,” says Eindhoven resident Rick with a grin.
“That is also why it is very good that we, all people of all colors and all genders, do not let ourselves be pushed away and are not afraid,” says Mayor Dijsselbloem. “Fortunately, you hear that a lot from the people here: ‘We can just be here. Get used to it.’ That’s fine too. Push back.”
“I pray in the Catholic Church that they too, not just husband and wife, may have children.
With her white-gray hair and glittering rainbow cap, 68-year-old Ankie stands out in the crowd. “I pray in the Catholic Church that they too, not only husband and wife, may have children. But that there are multiple forms and we may put that behind us.”
Mia thought the trip to the center was exciting. “I was a little scared when I came here on my bike with my rainbow cap on. Someone was already gesturing from his car like ‘get out you’. I was afraid to get hit. That’s why I’m here. I can’t do it say loud enough: We can all be there!”
“Let everyone be who he wants to be. Live and let live!”
“I left Arnhem because there is a lot of physical and verbal violence there,” says trans woman Davina, who moved to Veldhoven this week. On Friday she walked through the center of Eindhoven for the first time. Something that doesn’t come naturally to her. Still, she was all right. “There was nothing wrong. All tolerance, perfect. They just look at you, but that’s all they do.”
And also on Saturday Davina enjoys the Pride Walk with all the other runners. “I’m completely female and I’m so happy to be here.” Ankie puts an arm around her shoulder. “I’m Ankie,” she says encouragingly. “I’m Davina. Let everyone be who they want to be. Live and let live!”