Pink Point & Homomonument: LGBTQ+ history and Pride in Amsterdam

Inside Pink Point Amsterdam: Interview with owner Stefaan van der Sleen

As part of our WorldPride 2026 coverage, we sat down with Stefaan van der Sleen, the owner of Pink Point Amsterdam – LGBTQ+ Info & Gifts. What started as a modest information cart during weekends has grown into one of the world’s most visible queer information points, located next to the Homomonument in the heart of Amsterdam. Stefaan shared with us his deeply personal journey, the evolving role of Pink Point, and why this place still matters today more than ever.

Can you tell us how Pink Point began — and how you got involved?

Stefaan: The story of Pink Point Amsterdam started as a mobile cart information center, the Pink Point of Presence, in 1998 for the Gay Games. It was then brought out on weekends so that LGBTQ+ travelers could ask questions about the Homomonument in Amsterdam, which was, back then, the first and only queer monument. Eventually, a sea container replaced the cart in 1999, until the nine-sided Pink Point kiosk we know today. It was designed by Marianne Meinema and officially revealed in 2003. The original idea came, among others, from Richard Kaldoulis – also known as the drag queen Jennifer Hopelezz – who worked with other volunteers to set it up. After a friend who owned it before me passed away, I stepped in and obtained permission from the city of Amsterdam to take it over. So I became the third owner of Pink Point in 2018. I feel lucky and proud to be in this position.

Why was the Homomonument built in Amsterdam?

Stefaan: Interesting question that needs a little historical detour. Every year on Dam Square, the National Monument hosts the National Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking), attended by the King, the Queen, the Parliament, and others, who come to remember the dark period of history for the Dutch people. For a long time, gays and the rest of the queer community were not explicitly recognized as a group of victims of the Nazis, although gay individuals were deported, imprisoned, and killed in Nazi Germany. There has even been an exemplary incident on May 4, 1970, when gay men were sent away, pushed away really, from remembering when they wanted to lay down a wreath to remember queer history. That was the moment when the idea was born to create a place of our own, a go-to place for the LGBTQ+ community to remember those who came and died before us.

How do you explain the meaning of the monument to people visiting for the first time?

Stefaan: People often ask, “Where’s the statue?” But there is no statue. It’s been designed this way so it is not “in your face.” It’s just there. And we call it a living monument because it’s just part of the city, like our community, the queer community, is and should be. The Homomonument is designed of three pink granite triangles forming a larger triangle. This specific shape refers to a symbol from the Nazis. When homosexual individuals were deported to the concentration camps and killed in the Third Reich, they were made to wear a pink triangle on their chest and their trousers so that they were recognizable as gay individuals in the camps. However, the three granite triangles are positioned in a certain way. One is hovering above the canal and pointing to Dam Square, representing the present. The second one points to the Anne Frank House, representing the past, as we must never forget what happened in the early 20th century. And there is the one closest to the Pink Point that points to the Rozenstraat, where there used to be the head office of the COC, the supporting organization for gay rights. As all three triangles are interconnected, so you would see a giant triangle from above.

What’s the most common question people ask at Pink Point?

Stefaan: Believe it or not, it’s “Where is the Anne Frank House?” Besides that and more about what I do, it’s the question, “What big events are happening tonight?” People still think that Amsterdam is a mega-event city. Well, I mean, we are in a way, but not every day of the week. We don’t have events every day in Amsterdam. But that’s the most common question. But often that’s just a way to start a conversation. So I get out the map, ask where they want to go, and we start talking. Especially now, during Pride, people also bring in flyers, ask about events, and share their experiences. We have a whole wall of queer event info, maps, and community materials.

Have you had moments at Pink Point that really touched you?

Stefaan: Yes, many. One moment that always moves me is when parents come in with their children. The kids don’t always understand what’s happening, but the parents want them to see that it’s okay to be different. That really touches me. And then there are visitors from countries where being queer is dangerous, forbidden, and illegal. They ask, “Can I walk hand in hand with my partner in Amsterdam?” And I say, “In central Amsterdam, yes — watch your back, but mostly, you’re okay.” Hearing their stories and feeling their need for safety always leaves an impression. But it also makes me proud that I live in Amsterdam.

What information and merchandise do you offer at Pink Point Amsterdam?

Stefaan: At the beginning of the Pink Point, they had only a few things, especially pamphlets, and such. Well, it was more about sharing information and chatting with visitors. It was called Pink Point of Presence. Now, as we are in the middle of Pride Amsterdam, with many activities happening, this is a very popular spot for all LGBTQ+ individuals in Amsterdam at this time. Some people bring stuff over, like flyers and posters, and try to promote as much as possible. And that fits, of course, to the purpose of Pink Point. Besides a wall with the most recent flyers and everything event- and queer-related, I offer a diverse range of rainbow merchandise items, from postcards to magnets, queer porcelain figurines, and all sorts of Pride flags. But one of my most popular items, the top seller, is the big rainbow willy. People love it, even as a pillow for their flight home!

Why do you believe Pink Point is still relevant today?

Stefaan: Although the LGBTQ+ community reclaimed the symbol of the pink triangle, we need to remember the past. Today, more than ever, education, facts, and information remain essential. And we need a queer visible community as well as safe spaces. I also see that the whole world has changed, and alliances have shifted. Specifically, it feels like people are more likely to go against LGBTQ+ rights. And that’s what I also noticed here. People passing by, calling me names. It happens more often than before. But the Pink Point Amsterdam and the Homomonument are meant to be part of the city, just like our [queer] community. It’s a living monument — used for protesting, singing, dancing, and celebrating LGBTQ+ culture. On busy event days, I’m usually fenced in, but Pink Point is part of it all. I lend a hand, provide electricity, and answer questions. That’s what it means to me when I talk about a living monument. I work for the community, with the community, and in the community. Every day, except for one day off, I’m here. The work matters.

Dear Stefaan, thank you so much for your time, your stories, and for sharing your insights about this vital part of the LGBTQ+ history of Amsterdam.

The interview is part of our blog series on Couple of Men, introducing LGBTQ+ owned businesses, especially those operated or owned by queer couples like us. Read more about our campaign here!

Daan & Karl.

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.