In 2025, LGBT World Beside took part in Utrecht Canal Pride for the second time
- LGBT WORLD BESIDE
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In 2025, LGBT World Beside participated in Utrecht Canal Pride for the second time—one of the most important LGBTQ+ events in the Netherlands. For our organization, this was a significant milestone in our mission to support LGBTQ+ refugees, connect communities, and promote equality, visibility, and inclusion.
A day that bonded
We thank everyone who joined us this year on the LGBT World Beside boat . Your energy, support, and presence made this day warm, colorful, and unforgettable.
Special thanks to our guests, volunteers, and partners — thanks to you, Utrecht Canal Pride 2025 became one of the most connecting and inspiring moments of the year for our network.
We would also like to sincerely thank the Utrecht Pride Foundation for their enormous efforts and for the opportunity to represent LGBT World Beside on the canals of Utrecht.
Participants, partners and representatives of organizations
This year, around 80 people attended the LGBT World Beside boat: refugees, students, guests from various cities, and representatives and staff from organizations committed to LGBTQ+ migrants and integration.
COA / AZC
Refugees temporarily staying in reception centers. For many of them, this was the first Pride event of their lives , and they said they would never forget this day.
COA , Thuis in Oss and the Ministry of Asylum and Migration
The presence of representatives and staff from these organizations played a key role in creating a safe atmosphere, trust, and open communication. This meeting served as an important center of support and mutual understanding.
At home in Oss
An organization that actively supports refugees in their integration and contributes to an atmosphere of hospitality, humanity and involvement.
Students of Leiden University
Participants in the Proud Integration LGBT WB project — a unique exchange platform where students learning Russian and refugees learning Dutch exchange not only languages, but also culture, traditions, and human values.
Why participating in Pride is so important
For many LGBTQ+ refugees from countries where they face threats, violence or a complete lack of rights, participating in Pride is often their first experience of freedom , safety and recognition of their identity.
During Utrecht Canal Pride 2025, participants could experience that it is possible to be yourself in the Netherlands — open, confident and without fear.
For LGBT World Beside, participating in Pride means:
increasing the visibility of LGBTQ+ refugees;
creating safe spaces for people who are feeling part of the community for the first time;
bringing people and organisations together around equality and solidarity;
to make people who are just starting their integration process feel that they are not alone .
Words of thanks
We extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers — without your commitment, dedication, and responsibility, this event would not have been possible.
Special thanks to DJ Ron Soeters , who created an energetic and inspiring atmosphere on our boat. Afterward, we received many positive comments about the music, sound quality, and acoustics, both from Utrecht Pride volunteers and spectators along the route.
Our thanks also go to the volunteers who started preparing months in advance, and to everyone who provided delicious snacks.
Special thanks to the bar and beverage team: Alex, Ula, Katja, Laura, Kirill and Harlem .
Thanks to our helmsmen and everyone who ensured safety during the event.
All team members wore LGBT World Beside T-shirts featuring this year's updated logo — a symbol of our growth and development.
More photos can be found on our Instagram .
Our partners and sponsors
We sincerely thank our partners and sponsors for their trust and support:
A special thanks goes out to the team at PrideBoat.nl
Thank you for the professional support, the reliable organization and the high-quality guidance of our boat.
Our special appreciation goes to the captain, who guided the boat safely along the parade route with great expertise, attention, and responsibility. His efforts were crucial to ensuring that LGBT World Beside 's participation in Utrecht Canal Pride 2025 was safe, relaxed, and festive for all participants.
Our vision
For LGBT World Beside, participating in Pride is more than just a festive moment.
It is a step towards a society in which every person — regardless of origin, status, language or life story — can and may be themselves without reservation.
Safety
Community connectedness
We believe that visibility, unity and mutual support change lives.
Utrecht Canal Pride 2025 was once again a powerful proof of this
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