Proud in Protest

As Pride (parties) swept across the city, red. and NYX Professional Makeup came together to create something that cut deeper. A moment of reflection, resistance, and connection.

Proud in Protest was an afternoon dedicated to queer visibility, self-expression, and solidarity, held in the centre of Amsterdam at The Hoxton Herengracht. While Pride often leans into celebration, this event made space for something equally vital: the protest roots of Pride and the power of taking up space, not just loudly, but authentically.

The panel brought together an incredible lineup of community voices: Roem, Jade Hu and Naomie Pieter, who opened up about what it means to exist (and resist) as queer people in today’s world. With vulnerability, honesty, and humour, they unpacked themes like pinkwashing, queer tokenism, the importance of safe spaces, and the ways in which we can show up for each other year-round, not just during Pride.

The audience, a warm, diverse mix of LGBTQIAP+ people and allies, filled the room with energy, emotion, and openness. Together, we listened, reflected, and spoke about visibility, activism, and what allyship actually looks like in practice.

After the panel, conversations flowed into the courtyard over drinks from Grey Goose, and connections were made that we hope extend far beyond that afternoon.

We’re deeply thankful to our panelists for sharing their truth, to the Hoxton and Lotti's for offering a beautiful and inclusive space, and to everyone who showed up.

Images by Tengbeh Kamara