Pride Talk 2023 at Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam Featuring LGBTQIA+ Activist David Mixner
The historic Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam is set to host an insightful Pride Talk on Thursday, July 20, 2023, featuring renowned LGBTQIA+ activist David Mixner. This event marks the eve of Queer & Pride Amsterdam 2023, a significant time for the city's LGBTQIA+ community to reflect on progress and future challenges.
Mixner, an international figure in the fight for equal rights, will offer an external perspective on the Netherlands and Amsterdam's role in the global LGBTQIA+ movement. He will be introduced by Astrid Oosenbrug, chair of COC Nederland, and Dutch senator and human rights activist Boris Dittrich.
An Evening of Dialogue on Amsterdam's LGBTQIA+ Legacy
The discussion will delve into Amsterdam's historical reputation as the "Gay Capital" of the world, questioning its current relevance and what such a title might entail today. It will also explore how this perception aligns with the diverse reality of the modern LGBTQIA+ community and how other countries view the Dutch community. The talk aims to foster a dialogue about Amsterdam's connection to the international struggle for equality.
This event at Nieuwe Kerk is planned as the inaugural talk in a series that will, over the coming years, explore these questions with communities around the world, starting with the United States.
About David Mixner: A Veteran Voice for Equality
Born in 1946, David Mixner has a distinguished history as a fundraiser, activist, writer, and performer. His early activism included campaigns for John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King in the 1960s, alongside his prominent role in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Following his coming out in 1977, Mixner became a leading voice in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement in the United States.
He famously led the rebellion against President Clinton’s "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which forced gay service members to conceal their sexual orientation, ultimately leading to its repeal by President Obama in 2010. Today, Mixner's perspective is particularly relevant as "Don't Say Gay" laws challenge the rights of non-binary and transgender individuals in the U.S.
The Pride Talk 2023 is free to attend and will be conducted in English. Doors open at 19:30, with the talk commencing at 20:00. This engaging evening offers a valuable opportunity to engage with critical conversations about LGBTQIA+ rights and culture.
For those interested in exploring more cultural and historical sites in Amsterdam, Musemap (musemap.art) provides a curated guide to the city's diverse offerings. You can browse other museums or discover more spots on the map to enhance your cultural journey.
