Message from Mayor Jan van Zanen at the ceremony marking International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, organised by the United States Embassy, 17 May 2021
Excellency,
Dear all,
What an honour it is to raise the rainbow flag together today.
Here, at the American embassy.
As you know, The Hague is the international city of peace and justice.
The Hague, where the Four Freedoms formulated by President Roosevelt are part of our DNA.
One of those freedoms is freedom from fear.
That means that those who identify as LGBT should also be able to be themselves without fear.
In a great many parts of the world that is unfortunately not the case.
All the people persecuted, excluded and criminalised are entitled to our solidarity.
Our support in their struggle for a better, decent existence.
Without the need for lies, where there is no hide and seek.
No fear of blackmail, betrayal and violence.
So they can live in freedom and dignity.
In a world where everyone can be who they are.
