Eurogames 2011 an investment in tolerance

As described in today's Radio Netherlands press review, LGBT sporting events are important vectors for social change everywhere. Even in a country that is a model of openness, homophobia remains a problem. The commitment of the city government to ensuring the success of Eurogames 2011 is visible throughout the city, including on these giant posters on the Schouwburgplein in the heart of the city.


Hand in hand, Camarades

“The anthem of football club Feyenoord – Hand in hand, kamaraden. Almost everyone from Rotterdam knows the marching song by heart. But what homosexual would actually dare to walk hand in hand in public in Holland’s second city?” asks NRC Handelsblad.

“I would, but then again, I’m not the type to be easily intimidated,” says former Conservative VVD local politician Jerry van der Waarde. “Amsterdam has established itself as the hospitable homosexual capital of Europe... Rotterdam - with 174 different nationalities - is the stalwart bastion of working-class, macho culture.” In fact, the city’s council is concerned about the rise in gay hate crimes.

“One of the reasons to move the EuroGames to Rotterdam,” explains the NRC. The European gay games [sic] are starting today in the city of machismo - a five-day international sports and cultural event with participants from 42 different countries. Organisers expect a turnout of over 30,000 people.

The council is putting up half of the two-million-euro budget. “A generous but much-needed gesture,” says the chairman of the organising committee. “In Rotterdam, we still have a world to win.”