Amsterdam has long been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusivity within the LGBT+ community. I recall back in 1991 when churches were shuttered, and gay clubs emerged in their stead, signalling a progressive and forward-thinking society. Now, Amsterdam has yet again set an example with the introduction of a queer skateboard park – the first of its kind. Dubbed “New Wave”, this trailblazing skate park not only boasts a cool design but also has a friendly team of administrators who oversee the space. It’s the first of its kind, a space that is a testament to Amsterdam’s unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and acceptance. The city’s reputation as a trailblazer in promoting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community has been cemented with the opening of this skate park. It serves as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and a reminder that progress is possible even in challenging times. With the “New Wave,” Amsterdam continues to lead the way in shaping a more inclusive and tolerant society.
An initiative by Women Skate the World, NEW WAVE, which began as a series of open skate nights in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, is aimed at empowering women and queer people, from beginners to advanced levels. This groundbreaking initiative, which prioritizes the underrepresented and overlooked in skateboarding and LGBT+ micro-society, has now established a permanent home in Amsterdam-Zuidoost in the park called Paasheuvelweg 44.
