In a world that asks us to act ‘normal’, our visibility is our most powerful protest.
Fetish events
Soon the events for Fetish Pride here!
Fetish Pride stands for the unconditional freedom to express your deepest self without compromising to societal norms. The programme is for everyone who identifies with the worlds of BDSM, leather, latex, uniforms, pup play and everything in between. But it is more than that: it is an invitation to the whole LGBTI community and beyond to embrace the diversity of human sexuality and identity. We believe acceptance is only complete when the edges of the spectrum are fully celebrated. The programme serves as a safe haven where self-expression and mutual respect are central, and where we show the strength of our community to the rest of the world.
The origin of this programme is rooted in the need to claim a visible space of our own within the broader Pride celebration. Where fetish has sometimes been pushed to the background to present a more ‘accessible’ image of the community, this programme decisively chooses radical visibility. It emerged from close collaboration with the local fetish scene, driven by the conviction that our identity does not need to be hidden behind closed doors. We are here to break down barriers and open conversations about what it means to step outside the beaten path.
Historical awareness and the fight for visibility
The roots of the fetish community are inextricably linked to the history of the LGBTI rights movement. Since the iconic protests of the 1960s, such as the Stonewall riots, fetishists have stood shoulder to shoulder with other marginalised groups against oppression and violence. That history forms the foundation of our current programme. While there is an international tendency to ‘sanitize’ Pride celebrations and remove fetish expressions from the public sphere, we draw a clear line. Hiding our identity for the sake of integration is a step backward we refuse to take.
Our presence at Pride Amsterdam is therefore a tribute to the pioneers who cleared the way for us. A yearly highlight that beautifully illustrates the link between history and the present is the strong representation of the fetish community during the Canal Parade and the various street parties. Here activism and celebration flow seamlessly together. By being visibly present, we remind the world that the fight for equal rights is not over until everyone can be themselves. We celebrate diversity, honour our past and build together a future in which fetish remains an integral and respected part of our colourful rainbow family.
Stay informed about Fetish Pride
Fetish Pride hosts multiple community events each year, ranging from intimate meetups to larger cultural and celebratory occasions. New events aregradually addedtowards Pride Amsterdam. At the top of this page you’ll find a short, up-to-date overview of Trans Pride events. For a complete overview, see all Fetish Pride events on thecomplete Pride Amsterdam event calendar.
