1. What WorldPride 2026 Changed — and What It Showed

WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 was a major international LGBTQIA+ event, running from 25 July through 8 August 2026.

Pride Amsterdam’s official programme included the Pride Walk, Pride Park, Canal Parade, WorldPride Village, Human Rights Conference, WorldPride March and a closing programme at Museumplein. The organisers said around 500 activities took place during WorldPride.

For the Netherlands, the event was also linked to a major historical anniversary. In 2026, the country marked 25 years of marriage equality. The first same-sex marriages took place in Amsterdam on 1 April 2001, making the Netherlands the first country in the world to allow same-sex couples to marry.

WorldPride also brought a large international LGBTQ+ audience to Amsterdam. This made LGBTQ+ visibility especially high across public spaces, cultural venues and Pride events.

At the same time, RITA recorded more than 520 reports of discrimination during the WorldPride period, according to NL Times. Police did not publish a separate total for violence during WorldPride.

This distinction is important. A community discrimination report is not automatically a police crime report, and a police report is not automatically a criminal conviction.

2. What Do the 2025–2026 Numbers Actually Tell Us?

The latest national reporting figures show that registered discrimination incidents increased in 2025.

The police recorded 10,748 discrimination incidents in 2025, an increase of 12% compared with 2024. Discriminatie.nl recorded 25,356 reports.

These numbers should not be compared as if they were exactly the same type of statistic. Police figures concern incidents registered by the police, while Discriminatie.nl’s figure counts reports submitted to its anti-discrimination network.

The Discriminatie.nl total also included large numbers of cluster reports related to specific public controversies and events. A large rise in reports therefore does not necessarily mean an equivalent rise in the number of separate incidents.

For transgender people specifically, Transgender Netwerk and anti-discrimination organisations recorded 399 unique reports of discrimination in 2025, compared with 264 in 2024.

That represented an increase of more than 51%. The reporting organisations also note that these numbers cover incidents that were reported to them and therefore do not represent every incident experienced by transgender people.

Amsterdam has also published research into LGBTQIA+-related incidents. Among LGBTQIA+ residents of Amsterdam and Weesp surveyed about 2024, 25% said they had felt discriminated against, compared with 18% among non-LGBTQIA+ residents.

The figures are useful indicators, but they should not be turned into an individual probability of experiencing discrimination. Reporting behaviour, awareness of reporting systems and the severity and visibility of incidents can all affect the numbers.

3. Is the Netherlands Safe for LGBTQ+ Expats?

There is no single statistic that can answer this question for every LGBTQ+ person or every city.

A person’s experience can vary according to location, neighbourhood, workplace, housing situation, social environment and how visible their identity is in a particular situation.

Amsterdam has a large and established LGBTQ+ community, a long history of LGBTQ+ activism and major community organisations. WorldPride 2026 also demonstrated that the city can host large-scale LGBTQ+ events with international participation.

At the same time, official research and reporting systems document discrimination, threats, harassment and violence affecting LGBTQ+ people.

For an expat, the most useful approach is practical:
know your rights, know where to report, save evidence and know which service is appropriate for the situation you experienced.

4. New Dutch Government LGBTQ+ Safety Investment

The Dutch government has announced additional measures and funding aimed at LGBTQI+ safety in 2026.

In the 2026 Spring Memorandum, the cabinet set aside €22.9 million for the 2026–2029 period for the strengthened LGBTQI+ safety approach.

The government says this money will support measures including local safety approaches through rainbow municipalities, strengthening civil society, network building and knowledge sharing, research into the causes of insecurity and campaigns against discrimination.

Later, at the WorldPride Human Rights Conference in August 2026, Prime Minister Rob Jetten said the government would invest €7.5 million per year for the next three years in improving queer community safety. He highlighted safer workplaces, public information against discrimination and disinformation, funding for Purple Friday and training for municipalities and civil-society organisations dealing with online hate speech.

For individual expats, these announcements do not create an automatic compensation payment or personal safety benefit. Their main relevance is the development of public policy, local programmes and support infrastructure.

5. What Does Dutch Law Say About Discrimination?

The Dutch Constitution’s Article 1 states that everyone in the Netherlands must be treated equally in equal circumstances and prohibits discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation.

Dutch law also distinguishes between discrimination as an unlawful form of unequal treatment and conduct that amounts to a criminal offence.

This means that not every offensive statement automatically becomes a criminal case.

Since 1 July 2025, the discriminatory aspect of a criminal offence has been recognised as a general statutory aggravating circumstance in Dutch criminal law. The police state that where a criminal offence is committed with a discriminatory motive, the maximum penalty can be increased by one third under the applicable rules.

The increased penalty applies where the legal requirements for the discriminatory aspect are established. It does not mean that every discriminatory comment automatically leads to a criminal prosecution.

6. Discrimination, Harassment, Threats or Violence?

Before reporting an incident, it helps to understand the difference between several types of behaviour.

You do not need to know the exact legal category before seeking help.

The Dutch police also distinguish between a melding and an aangifte. A melding is a report or notification to police. An aangifte is a formal criminal complaint asking the police and prosecution system to investigate a possible offence.

7. When Should You Contact the Police?

The police are the appropriate point of contact when an incident may involve a criminal offence.

Examples can include:

• physical assault
• serious threats
• criminal damage
• stalking
• other conduct that may constitute a criminal offence

When making a report, explain clearly what happened and why you believe discrimination played a role. This can be relevant when the police assess the incident.

8. Roze in Blauw: The LGBTQ+ Police Network

Roze in Blauw is the Dutch police’s national network for the LGBTQ+ community.

The network supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people dealing with discrimination, threats, assault and other criminal matters connected to sexual orientation or gender identity.

The police state that Roze in Blauw can listen to your story, provide information, refer you to support services and support people who want to report an incident or file a criminal complaint.

Every police employee can take an LGBTQ+-related report or criminal complaint, so Roze in Blauw is not a separate police force. It is a network within the police designed to make contact easier and provide specialist understanding.

Roze in Blauw Contact

For non-emergency general police matters, you can also use 0900-8844.

9. Discriminatie.nl: Reporting Discrimination

Not every discrimination problem requires a criminal investigation.

For unequal treatment at work, during a job application, in housing, education, shops, restaurants or other parts of everyday life, Discriminatie.nl can be an important point of contact.

You can report discrimination through its online reporting form or call 0800-0880.

Discriminatie.nl says its advice and support are free. When you provide your postcode, your report can be routed to the appropriate local anti-discrimination office.

The website also provides a translation option, which can be useful for newcomers who are more comfortable reading in another language.

What happens after a report?

A discrimination adviser can discuss what happened with you, explain the relevant rules and outline possible next steps. Depending on the circumstances, this may include advice, mediation or support with further procedures.

Can you report anonymously?

Yes. Discriminatie.nl says anonymous reports are possible, although remaining anonymous can limit the organisation’s ability to follow up with you or take further action on your individual case.

10. RITA: A Low-Threshold LGBTQ+ Reporting Platform

RITA stands for Report It Always. The platform was created to make reporting discrimination and unsafe situations more accessible within the LGBTQI+ community.

In May 2026, the City of Amsterdam approved an €108,500 incidental subsidy for Stichting RITA Community. The municipality described RITA as a new online reporting point where LGBTQI+ people can report discrimination in a low-threshold way and, if desired, anonymously, through an organisation rooted in the LGBTQI+ community.

This makes RITA different from the police and from a formal criminal complaint.

During WorldPride 2026, RITA received more than 520 discrimination reports, according to NL Times.

These reports should not be interpreted as 520 confirmed criminal offences. Community reporting serves a different purpose from criminal investigation.

11. Can You Report Anonymously?

The answer depends on where you report.

Discriminatie.nl

Anonymous reporting is possible. However, anonymity can limit the organisation’s ability to follow up with you directly.

RITA

RITA is designed as a low-threshold reporting route and allows LGBTQI+ people to make anonymous reports where they choose.

Meld Misdaad Anoniem

For information about suspected crime, Meld Misdaad Anoniem (M.) provides an anonymous reporting route.

You can report by phone at 0800-7000 or online. From abroad, the international number is 00800 0800 7000.

M. explains that anonymous information must first be assessed and checked. Investigative authorities decide whether and how the information is used.

M. is not a replacement for calling 112 when there is an emergency.

12. What About Online Hate and Threats?

Online LGBTQ+ abuse can range from offensive comments to threats, stalking, repeated harassment, doxxing or other potentially criminal behaviour.

Before deleting or blocking material, preserve the evidence when it is safe to do so.

Useful evidence can include:

• screenshots
• the account name or username
• the URL of the post or profile
• date and time
• private messages and emails
• evidence of repeated contact
• witness information

For threats received through email, chat or social media, the Dutch police advise victims to preserve the messages and other evidence.

In its April 2026 national discrimination report, police also highlighted a 2025 case in which anonymous social-media accounts were used to post discriminatory comments and death threats against members of a queer men’s choir. The case showed that anonymous online accounts can still be investigated.

The key point is that “it happened online” does not automatically mean that there is no reporting route.

13. Workplace Discrimination

LGBTQ+ discrimination can happen before you are hired, during employment or when you leave a workplace.

Possible examples can include:

• being treated differently because of sexual orientation
• being treated differently because you are transgender
• hostile comments or repeated jokes
• harassment by colleagues
• discriminatory treatment during recruitment
• being excluded because of your LGBTQ+ identity
• problems connected with expressing your gender identity at work

Not every workplace conflict is legally discrimination, but you can still seek advice if you are unsure.

Discriminatie.nl accepts reports related to employment and job applications. Police should be considered when the situation also involves threats, assault, stalking or another possible criminal offence.

The Dutch government’s strengthened LGBTQI+ safety approach also includes work on safer workplaces.

14. Housing and Neighbourhood Problems

LGBTQ+ discrimination can also happen while looking for a home, dealing with a landlord or living in a neighbourhood.

Examples might include:

• a landlord or housing provider treating you differently because you are in a same-sex relationship
• discrimination during a rental application
• repeated anti-LGBTQ+ harassment by neighbours
• threats connected to your sexual orientation or gender identity
• unequal treatment in access to housing

Discriminatie.nl accepts reports involving housing and neighbourhood situations.

If the situation involves immediate danger, serious threats or violence, contact the police. Do not put yourself at additional risk simply to collect evidence.

15. What Evidence Should You Save?

You do not need a perfect evidence file before making a report.

However, a clear record can help another organisation understand what happened.

Useful evidence includes:

• screenshots of messages or social-media posts
• photos of damage or visible injuries
• dates and times
• location details
• witness names or contact details
• emails, letters and documents
• video or audio where lawfully obtained
• medical documentation if you received treatment

Write down what happened as soon as possible while your memory is fresh.

Do not collect evidence in a way that creates additional danger for you or another person.

16. What If You Do Not Speak Dutch?

Not speaking Dutch should not prevent you from seeking help.

You can contact the police, Roze in Blauw or an anti-discrimination organisation and explain what happened.

A practical tip is to prepare a short written summary in English before making contact.

When contacting a reporting organisation, be as specific as possible about why you believe your sexual orientation, gender identity or another protected characteristic was relevant to what happened.

Discriminatie.nl also provides a translation option on its website, which can help newcomers understand the reporting process.

17. Advice for Trans and Gender-Diverse Expats

Transgender and gender-diverse people can experience discrimination in public spaces, workplaces, healthcare, sport, education and housing.

Transgender Netwerk’s 2025 reporting recorded 399 unique reports of discrimination against trans people, compared with 264 in 2024.

The reported incidents included public-space situations, workplace discrimination and problems involving healthcare. The figures cover reported incidents, not every incident experienced by transgender people.

For trans expats, the same reporting routes described in this guide are available:

• 112 for emergencies
• 0900-8844 for non-emergency police contact
• Roze in Blauw for LGBTQ+-related police support
• Discriminatie.nl for discrimination and unequal treatment
• RITA for low-threshold LGBTQ+ reporting

You do not need to decide the final legal classification of an incident before asking for help.

18. A WorldPride 2026 Criminal Case

One WorldPride-related criminal case illustrates why context and evidence matter.

On 31 July 2026, the Amsterdam Public Prosecution Service reported that a 42-year-old Amsterdam resident was tried under expedited proceedings for opruiing met een discriminatoir aspect after an incident connected to a WorldPride event at Mercatorplein.

The case arose during an open-air cinema event the previous evening. According to the Public Prosecution Service, a woman saw two other women being harassed. After a brief confrontation, the defendant made a statement calling for gay people to be killed.

The prosecution relied on a witness and camera footage. The court imposed an unconditional 40-hour community service order.

The case does not mean that every offensive LGBTQ+-related statement automatically becomes a criminal offence. It shows instead that the exact words, context, evidence and applicable criminal law all matter.

19. Your Step-by-Step Reporting Plan

20. Common Reporting Mistakes

Mistake 1: “It was only a comment, so I cannot report it.”

You can still ask an appropriate organisation whether the incident should be reported. You do not need to decide the legal classification yourself.

Mistake 2: “I am an expat, so I cannot contact the Dutch police.”

You can contact the police regardless of whether you are a Dutch citizen. Roze in Blauw specifically works with LGBTQ+ people who need police support.

Mistake 3: “I need perfect evidence before reporting.”

No. Report what you know and provide whatever evidence you have.

Mistake 4: “Online hate does not count.”

Some online threats, harassment and discriminatory conduct can be relevant to the police or anti-discrimination services. Save the evidence before deleting content when it is safe to do so.

Mistake 5: “I only need one organisation.”

Different services have different roles. Depending on the incident, you may have more than one appropriate reporting or support route.

Mistake 6: “Anonymous reporting and a criminal complaint are the same.”

They are not. Anonymous reporting can help organisations or authorities identify patterns or information, but anonymity can limit the ability to follow up on your individual case.

21. LGBTQ+ Netherlands 2026 FAQ

When was WorldPride Amsterdam 2026?

WorldPride Amsterdam took place from 25 July to 8 August 2026.

Was this Amsterdam’s first WorldPride?

Yes. Pride Amsterdam describes 2026 as the first time Amsterdam hosted WorldPride.

How many discrimination reports were made during WorldPride?

RITA recorded more than 520 reports during WorldPride, according to NL Times. This was community-reporting data and not an official police total.

How much has the Dutch government allocated for LGBTQI+ safety?

The 2026 Spring Memorandum allocated €22.9 million for the 2026–2029 period to the strengthened LGBTQI+ safety approach. In August 2026, Prime Minister Rob Jetten described a plan to invest €7.5 million per year for the next three years in improving queer community safety. These figures come from different government announcements and are not added together in this article.

What is Roze in Blauw?

Roze in Blauw is the Dutch police’s national LGBTQ+ network. It supports people dealing with LGBTQ+-related discrimination, threats, assault and other criminal matters.

What is the Roze in Blauw phone number?

088-1691234. The general email is rozeinblauw@politie.nl. In an emergency, call 112.

What number do I call if there is no emergency?

The Dutch police use 0900-8844 for non-emergency police matters. The number is available 24/7.

What is Discriminatie.nl?

Discriminatie.nl is the national anti-discrimination reporting service connected to local anti-discrimination organisations. You can report discrimination and receive free advice and support.

What is the Discriminatie.nl phone number?

0800-0880.

Can I report discrimination anonymously?

Yes, depending on the reporting service. Discriminatie.nl accepts anonymous reports, although this can limit follow-up. RITA also provides a low-threshold anonymous reporting option for LGBTQI+ people.

What is RITA?

RITA stands for Report It Always. It is a community-based reporting platform for LGBTQI+ people experiencing discrimination or unsafe situations. Amsterdam provided Stichting RITA Community with an €108,500 incidental subsidy in 2026.

What is Meld Misdaad Anoniem?

Meld Misdaad Anoniem is an anonymous reporting route for information about suspected crime. The Dutch number is 0800-7000.

Can I report an online threat?

Yes. The police advise people who receive threats through email, chat or social media to preserve the evidence and contact the police when appropriate.

Does every homophobic or transphobic comment count as a hate crime?

No. Whether conduct is criminal depends on the exact words or behaviour, the context and the legal provisions that apply. Some incidents may be unlawful discrimination without being a criminal offence.

Can an LGBTQ+-related discriminatory motive affect a criminal case?

Yes. Since 1 July 2025, a discriminatory aspect of a criminal offence is a general statutory aggravating circumstance under Dutch criminal law. Where the legal requirements are met, the maximum penalty can be increased by one third.

What if I do not speak Dutch?

You can still contact the police and relevant support organisations. Preparing a short written summary in English can make the process easier.

What if I am transgender?

The same reporting channels apply. Roze in Blauw specifically supports transgender people within the LGBTQ+ community, while Transgender Netwerk recorded 399 unique reports of discrimination against trans people in 2025.

Should I report discrimination if I do not want legal action?

You can still use an anti-discrimination or community reporting service to document what happened and understand your options.