Gouda to hoist rainbow flag for Coming Out Day and Purple Friday

In observance of Coming Out Day on October 11, the Municipality of Gouda will hoist the rainbow flag at the City Hall on Friday, October 9, at 9:00 AM. The ceremony will be led by Inclusion Alderman Sjane-Marie Koppers and will include contributions from City Poet Chris Bellekom.

The event coincides with Purple Friday, a day dedicated to LGBTQIA+ acceptance in schools across the Netherlands, which has been moved to the second Friday of October. The flag-raising is part of the October Rainbow Month 2026 organized by the Regenboog Alliantie Gouda.

Local leaders, including Mart van de Kamp of the Regenboog Alliantie, emphasized the importance of the event following national reports of declining acceptance among youth. The initiative aims to promote a culture where everyone in Gouda can be themselves without discrimination. Organizations and sports clubs are also encouraged to show solidarity by displaying rainbow symbols or hosting inclusive events.