Amsterdam: Gay and Lesbian

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Amsterdam for Gay and Lesbian:

Amsterdam is a city of contradictions; on one hand it’s quite Calvinistic and yet is also quite enlightened and liberal. Some would say it is the gay Mecca of Europe.

AREAS
Even though there are bars, clubs, cafes, and hotels all over the city, there are four specific gay districts:
The Reguliersdwarsstraat is Amsterdam's street of gay bars for both men and women.
The bars along the Amstel River and the adjacent Halvemaansteeg draw a colorful mix of people.
Cruising along the Warmoesstraat, which is in the heart of the red-light district you’ll find many “leather” bars. Located here is the famous leather shop 'Mr. B.' for all your toys and clothes.
The Kerkstraat is one of the oldest gay districts in town, and is situated near the Leidseplein. The Kerkstraat is a gay-friendly neighborhood with some amusing café and bars.

WHERE TO GO
Gay nightlife in Amsterdam is so diverse and gays are welcome just about everywhere. The popularity of bars and clubs is ever changing and largely based on the crowds they draw.

BARS
A good place to start your night is at the Amstel Taveerne
(Amstel 54, Tel.: +31 20-623-4254) the oldest gay bar in Amsterdam.
Around the corner, the Montmartre (Halvemaansteeg 17, Tel.: +31 20-620-7622)
Café De Steeg has live shows on Saturdays. (Halvemaansteeg 10, Tel.: +31 20-620 0171)
he lower key Gaiety (Amstel 14, Tel.: +31 20-624 4271),
Mix Café attracts an older male crowd, (Amstel 50, Tel.: +31 20-420 3388)

HOT BARS
The April (Reguliersdwarsstraat 37, Tel.: +31 20-625 9572). You are sure to hear the music and see the crowd out front halfway down the street. This 'American-style' bar, with its open patio doors and revolving back bar is traditionally the most popular pre-clubbing hangout, and the place you’re most likely to meet fellow travelers. However, the two-story Soho (Reguliersdwarsstraat 36, Tel.: +31 20-330 4400) just down the street is drawing young boys.
Havana also attracts a fun international crowd.
(Reguliersdwarsstraat 17, Tel.: +31 20-620 6788)
The Exit, a disco, with two floors, has a hot crowd (Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, Tel.: +31 20-625 8788)
Bar De Spijker You will find a quieter scene in this friendly neighborhood (Kerkstraat 4, Tel.: +31 20-620 5919).
Cosmo is worth a visit for a late-night drink with an older crowd and a feel for what bars were like in Amsterdam in the sixties. (Kerkstraat 42, Tel.: +31 20-624 8074)

DANCING
IT (Amstelstraat 24, Tel.: +31 20 625-0111).
Exit (Reguliersdwarsstraat 42, Tel.: +31 20 625 8788).
The COC (The National Gay & Lesbian Organization) Rozenstraat 14, Tel.: +31 20-626 3087).
De Trut (Bilderdijkstraat 165, Tel.: +31 20-612 3524) organizes gay and lesbian dance parties.

LEATHER SCENE
The Cuckoo's Nest (Nieuwezijds Kolk 6, Tel.: +31 20-627 1752)
The Web (Sint Jacobssteeg 6, Tel.: +31 20 623 6758),
The Argos (Warmoesstraat 95, Tel.: +31 20-622 6595),
The Eagle (Warmoesstraat 90, Tel.: +31 20-627 8634)
Dirty Dick's (Warmoesstraat 86, Tel.: +31 20 627 8634).
The Cockring (Warmoesstraat 96, Tel.: +31 20-623 9604).

WOMEN BARS
Saarein (Elandsstraat 119, Tel.: +31 20-623 4901),
Vandenberg (Lindengracht 95, Tel.: +31 20-622 2716),
Vive-La-Vie (Amstelstraat 7, Tel.: +31 20-624 0114) a
You II (Amstel 178, Tel.: +31 20-421 0900).

Gay marriges:
Gays and lesbians in Holland won the right to get legally married in 2000. They can serve in the military, not worry about social or legal discrimination, and generally display affection in public without fear of harassment. Likewise, legislation has made it legal for gay and lesbian couples to adopt children. As for tourism, gays are not only welcome but also officially encouraged invited. What other European city would erect a Gay Monument, the world's first monument to honor persecuted gay men and lesbians?
In order to get married in Holland, one of the persons getting married must be a Dutch citizen. For more information, please contact your nearest Netherlands Consulate General.

Gay Amsterdam Tourist Guide - www.gayamsterdam.com

Gay & Lesbian Groups
The 'Gay Capitol of the World' has several organizations for the homosexual and bisexual community, including the largest chapter of The COC, the Netherlands' Federation for integration of homosexuals.

COC Amsterdam
Address: Rozenstraat 14
Tel: +31 (0)20 626 30 87
email: info@cocamsterdam.nl
Website: www.cocamsterdam.nl/ or www.cocamsterdam.nl/clubcoc/
The COC Nederland, focuses on lesbian women and gay men from within and outside the Dutch culture, providing help, support, assistance and has a special club, Club COC, with disco and café nights.

Love Exiles Foundation / Stichting Love Exiles
The Love Exiles Foundation educates the public about immigration issues facing same-sex couples and provides support and outreach to bi-national same-sex couples. The local group in the Netherlands organizes regular social events and provides a support network for same-sex couples who have moved or are planning to move to the Netherlands.
Email:exiles@xs4all.nl
Website: www.loveexiles.org

Women Out
A social club that organizes venues for expatriate and Dutch lesbians and bisexual women to meet other women.
Emails: info@womenout.net, womenout@yahoo.com
Website: www.womenout.net

Gay Swim Amsterdam
The best way to get to know us is to come and swim. To participate in training sessions, come to the swimming clubs' entrance of the Sloterparkbad (President Allendelaan 2, within easy reach of the last stop of tram lines 13 and 14). Be there a good quarter of an hour before starting time. One of the welcoming committee will tell you everything there is to know about GSA. For your first visit to our training a contribution of 3€ will be asked.
Tel: +31 (0)62 417 3268
Email: gayswimadam@hotmail.com

Straight Women's Groups
Women's organizations and clubs with international, supportive and/or professional atmospheres.

Women with Dutch Partners (WWDP)
WWDP is a large active group of women who live in Amsterdam, and come from all over the world with one thing in common — they have Dutch partners. The groups meet usually on the first Friday of the month, at one of its members’ homes and have a pre-selected topic to discuss and exchange views on.
Tel: +31 (0)20 412 5444
Website: wwdp4u@yours.com

American Women's Club Amsterdam
Founded in 1927, the club now has approximately 550 members from the greater Amsterdam area. At the monthly meetings, featured speakers present topics of political, economic or cultural relevance. AWCA members receive the monthly magazine, 'Tulip Talk', and have the opportunity to take part in classes and lectures, community service projects, newcomer activities, cultural events, tours, Moms, dads and tots events, and social events such as art on the move, book clubs, family excursions, gourmet groups, idea salons.
Tel: +31 (0)20 644 3531 (answering machine)
Email: membership@awca.nl
Website: www.awca.nl

International Women's Contact
The aim of the IWC is to facilitate and foster friendship between women of all nationalities, living in and around Amsterdam. They help members who come to Holland settle in, enjoy their new environment and gain a better understanding of Dutch life and culture. A Welcoming Committee is on hand to help newly arrived members make contact with women from their own countries, and give help and information on life and living in the Netherlands.
Email: iwc_amst@euronet.nl
Website: www.iwcamsterdam.nl

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