Boekenboot wins best statement award at Amsterdam Canal Pride

The Boekenboot, a floating book created by a broad coalition of Dutch literary organisations, received the "Best statement" prize during the Canal Parade of Amsterdam Pride on 1 August. The boat, designed to look like an open book covered with censored excerpts, symbolised the collective protest against the suppression of queer literature and the defence of free expression.

Participants on board included authors, illustrators, translators, librarians and publishers from groups such as Stichting Lezen, the Koninklijke Bibliotheek, the CPNB, the Schrijverscentrale, the Nederlands Letterenfonds and others. Geertrui Verbraak, a director‑team member of the KB, said the award highlighted the urgent need for "Free the word – every story counts!" and underscored the ongoing pressure on queer voices.

The accolade follows earlier controversy over the CPNB’s rejection of a queer author, reinforcing the Dutch book community’s commitment to visibility and resistance to censorship.