Pride & Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

RuPaul

"If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?"

"Other people's opinions of you are none of your business."

RuPaul became an international icon through music, television and drag performance. As the creator and host of RuPaul's Drag Race, he introduced drag culture to millions of viewers around the world.

Through his career, RuPaul has championed authenticity, confidence
and self-expression, helping create unprecedented visibility for LGBTQIA+ communities in mainstream entertainment.

Conchita Wurst

"Be the best version of yourself rather than a bad copy of someone else."

"You only can hurt me if I don't know who I am."

 "Live the life you want to live. Your gender is not important, it's not important who you love or who you don't. It's important if you're a good person or not."

Conchita Wurst became a global symbol of authenticity and self-expression after winning the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the powerful anthem Rise Like a Phoenix.

Elton John

"My music has always been a celebration of love, freedom, and the right to be yourself."

"I grew up in a time when it wasn’t easy to come out and be who you are. But I knew I had to use my voice to support others going through the same struggle. That’s why I’ve always fought for equal rights and acceptance for the LGBTQIA+ community."

Rising to international fame in the 1970s with timeless hits such as Rocket Man and Your Song, Elton John became one of the world's most successful and influential musicians. Throughout his career, he has sold more than 300 million records and inspired generations of artists.

After publicly coming out as bisexual in 1976 and later identifying as gay, Elton John became one of the first global superstars to speak openly about his identity. Through his music, activism and HIV/AIDS advocacy, he has played a significant role in increasing LGBTQIA+ visibility and acceptance worldwide.

Nikkie Tutorials

‘’Keep going and keep believing and do what makes you feel good. And when you feel good and get to the point where no-one can take that from you, then that feeling will the best feeling.’’

"I am here to openly share that I am transgender. And with this message, I want to inspire little Nikkies around the world who feel insecure, who feel out of place, who feel misunderstood. This world needs us. We need to accept each other. We need to respect each other. But most of all, we need to hear each other and understand."

Nikkie de Jager, better known as NikkieTutorials, became one of the world's most influential beauty creators through her groundbreaking makeup tutorials and collaborations with leading international brands.

In 2020, she publicly came out as transgender after being blackmailed, receiving widespread support around the world. Since then, she has become an important advocate for trans visibility, authenticity and acceptance.

Freddy Mercury

“I’m not afraid to speak out, and say things that I want to do, or do the things that I want to do, so um, I think in the end, being natural, and being, being actually genuine is what wins.”

As the legendary frontman of Queen, Freddie Mercury became one of the greatest live performers in music history. His extraordinary voice, theatrical performances and unforgettable stage presence made him an international icon.

Although Mercury never publicly labelled his sexuality, his individuality, confidence and refusal to conform challenged social norms and inspired millions to embrace authenticity and self-expression.

Tina Turner

"I think men marrying men and women marrying women is a beautiful thing. I think it’s God’s blessings for them, that’s what I think."

"Our differences are ultimately superficial, and the best thing we can do is celebrate them."

Tina Turner inspired millions with her strength, resilience and unstoppable spirit. Her story of overcoming adversity and embracing her own path has made her a beloved icon within the LGBTQIA+ community and far beyond.

Gerard Joling

''People need to realize that homosexuality is unfortunately far from being accepted everywhere.''

''I just think that everyone should be able to live their own life."

Gerard Joling has been one of the Netherlands' most beloved entertainers for decades. By being open about who he is and embracing authenticity with humour and confidence, he has contributed to greater visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Netherlands.

Lady Gaga

“I believe in a passion for inclusion. I believe in the spirit of equality, and the spirit of this country as one of love and compassion and kindness.”

“This community has fought and continues to fight a war of acceptance, a war of tolerance and the most relentless bravery. You are the definition of courage, do you know that?”

“What is your pronoun? ….You deserve to be addressed as you feel comfortable, respected and loved. “

Lady Gaga became a global superstar with her debut album The Fame and chart-topping hits including Just Dance and Poker Face. Her creativity, fearless performances and distinctive style have made her one of the defining artists of her generation.

A passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, Lady Gaga has consistently used her platform to promote equality, kindness and mental health awareness, making her one of the community's strongest allies.

Jean Paul Gaultier

‘’Pride is the best thing you’ll ever wear.’’

“It is beautiful to be what you are.”

“What is masculine and what is feminine, anyway?”

Jean Paul Gaultier became one of the world's most influential fashion designers during the 1980s and 1990s. He is renowned for redefining haute couture with bold, unconventional designs, including Madonna's iconic cone bra created for the Blonde Ambition Tour.

As an openly gay designer, Gaultier consistently challenged traditional ideas about gender and beauty. His work has celebrated individuality, diversity and self-expression, making him an important figure in LGBTQIA+ culture.