Grachtengordel in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Betty Paërl

— Walk of Pride Amsterdam —

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026

1. Betty Paërl Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Betty Paërl
1935-2002
zij/haar she/her

Radicaal activiste en provo Betty Paërl was een taboedoorbrekende UvA-docent, schrijfster, dominatrix en transgenderrechtenactiviste. Ze streed voor dekolonisatie en seksuele vrijheid en bekritiseerde de heersende gendernormen.

Radical activist and "provo" Betty Paërl was a taboo-breaking University of Amsterdam teacher, writer, dominatrix, and transgender rights activist. She fought for decolonization and sexual freedom and criticized the prevailing gender norms.

Erected 2026 by Walk of Pride Amsterdam. (Marker Number 34.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • Women. In addition, it is included in the Walk of Pride Amsterdam series list.

Location. 52° 22.419′ N, 4° 53.183′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Grachtengordel. It is on Raadhuisstraat, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Raadhuisstraat 36, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1016 DG,

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Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Brenda Howard (here, next to this marker); Marielle Franco (a few steps from this marker); Miriam van der Have (a few steps from this marker); Alje Klamer (within shouting distance of this marker); Benno Premsela (within shouting distance of this marker); Georgina Beyer (within shouting distance of this marker); Edgar Caïro (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Nico (Niek) Engelschman 1913-1988 (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.

Also see . . . Betty Paërl (Wikipedia). Excerpt:

Betty Paërl (1935 – 2022) was a Dutch mathematician, writer, dominatrix, and transgender rights activist.

She wrote about sadomasochism, advocated for pornography, and worked to eliminate prejudices regarding transgender people, sex work,
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026

2. Betty Paërl Marker - wide view, looking west on Raadhuisstraat
The marker for Betty Paërl is visible here set into the pavement, as are a few more a bit further down the street.
and sexual pleasure. She advocated for talks about kinks and dildos, and received national attention for her work on the radio, in newspapers, TV, and journals. For instance, she recognized a connection between BDSM and transgender people and held the belief that investigating these roles through SM could assist in making a decision regarding whether or not to transition. After her contract was not renewed at the University of Amsterdam, she went on to pursue a career as a journalist and dominatrix, while continuing mathematics.

In 1986, she helped raise money for the gay monument in Amsterdam by offering her escort services.

(Submitted on September 1, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.