COC Nederland

COC Nederland is the Dutch LGBTQ+ rights organisation, founded in Amsterdam in 1946 and widely recognised as the oldest LGBTQ+ organisation in the world that is still operating. It began as a discreet members' club for gay men and lesbians at a time when Dutch society was openly hostile. It later moved into public campaigning, including the push that led the Netherlands to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001, the first country to do so. The address on Nieuwe Herengracht is an office, not a bar or museum. There is nothing to visit inside without an appointment. Its interest is historical. For current activities, see coc.nl.