On June 26, 2021, the LGBT World Beside team together with RUSLGBTIQ organised a joint picnic for Russian-speaking LGBT+ people residing in the Netherlands. At first, we were worried that we wouldn’t be able to do the picnic due to COVID-19 related restrictions but luckily most of the restrictions were lifted exactly as of June 26, and our event did take place — with necessary precautions.
The picnic started at 2pm and went till late at night. We were surprised by the number of people who showed up and by the diversity of the group. LGBT+ people of all ages and backgrounds came by. We welcomed guests from Germany, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and other countries.
Most venues were closed in the past 18 months due to the lockdown, so everyone was really missing such events and get-togethers. Together with RUSLGBTIQ we provided snacks and beverages. Some guests brought their own treats, too, including homemade delicacies. We danced and sung songs from different countries in different languages. Adults also played volleyball and other ball games, while kids entertained themselves with drawing.
Our team is profoundly grateful to RUSLGBTIQ and to all those who made the picnic possible. Big thanks go to all the guests who showed up. Many of them also asked us to specially thank Harlem, leader of LGBT World Beside, and Kirill, head of RUSLGBTIQ, for what they are doing. We’d like to organise such events more often.
We also informed our guests about the upcoming Amsterdam Pride, which is scheduled for August 7, and hope to see everyone there again. Be happy and love each other.