Photography: Noah Valentyn
Styling & MUAH: Sjoerd Willemsen
Interview: Paul Hofman
As Amsterdam’s representative he was in Washington DC when the Gay Games were awarded to the Netherlands. With that decision the city — and Jip van Leeuwen himself — made history.
Twenty years later, former Amsterdam Director of Sport Jip van Leeuwen (75) is one of Pride Amsterdam’s ambassadors. Over the past decades this lifelong sportsman has witnessed many changes in sport. But have we reached full acceptance? “No, we are far from there.”
From his home he has a beautiful view over Amsterdam’s city centre. The sports icon enthusiastically talks about his life, the Gay Games and the upcoming Pride Amsterdam. He was quite surprised to be asked to be one of Pride’s faces. “You know, I was astonished. Because of my health I hesitated for a moment, but my husband insisted I say yes unconditionally.”
He fondly recalls the time when Amsterdam briefly became the centre of gay Netherlands. From the halfway line in a packed Arena the then-mayor Patijn addressed a stadium filled with ‘pink’ athletes. His speech — alongside the performance by the successful Weather Girls — left a deep impression on Jip. Thanks to the cooperation of nearly all sports federations the Games were a resounding success. Jip van Leeuwen received a royal honour for his efforts.
This year the Pride theme is ‘heroes’. When asked who his heroes are he does not hesitate. “There are two men: John Blankenstein and my Martin. As an openly gay referee in professional football and as an activist, John has meant a great deal in the fight for acceptance of homosexuality in top-level sport.” In this area, From Leeuwen says a lot has changed, though he admits “we are still far from done.” He notes the topic remains sensitive: a top career within a club? Forget it, he says quietly. “But it’s proven that once you’ve come out, you perform better.” During his own career as a top handball player From Leeuwen remained firmly in the closet.
Another hero who means everything to him is his husband Martin. “Without him, I wouldn’t be here anymore.”
“One way or another, LGBTI people have become more visible in sport. What we’ve achieved so far is wonderful, but sometimes we move too fast.” That he can contribute to Pride through his involvement makes him happy. “Whoever you are, sport is for all of us.” His husband Martin watches approvingly.
“SOMETIMES WE JUST MOVE TOO FAST”
“MY HUSBAND AND GAY FOOTBALL REFEREE JOHN BLANKENSTEIN ARE MY HEROES”
Pride ambassador since 2018
