Grachtengordel in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Tania Leon
| — | Walk of Pride Amsterdam | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026
1. Tania Leon Marker
Tania Leon
1945-1996
zij/haar she/her
Erected 2026 by Walk of Pride Amsterdam. (Marker Number 15.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Women. In addition, it is included in the Walk of Pride Amsterdam series list.
Location. 52° 22.403′ N, 4° 53.3′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Grachtengordel. It is at the intersection of Raadhuisstraat and Singel, on the right when traveling west on Raadhuisstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Raadhuisstraat 101, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland
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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: Stelly Hoeben (here, next to this marker); Inge Intven (here, next to this marker); Annemarie Grewel (a few steps from this marker); Alfred Kinsey (within shouting distance of this marker); Edgar Caïro (within shouting distance of this marker); Max Lievendag (within shouting distance of this marker); Emma Trosse (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Anton Schorer (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.
Also see . . . Tania Leon (Walk of Pride Amsterdam). Excerpt:
Leon moved through life guided by a strong moral compass, shaped by her experiences with apartheid and her upbringing in a migrant family. This background influenced her deep commitment to her community. She was involved in various(Submitted on September 17, 2026.)different emancipation movements, which she did not consider to be mutually exclusive. Her struggle against apartheid and racism went hand in hand with her fight for women’s emancipation and her activism for (Black) lesbian women—she was a truly intersectional activist. Leon said that she would only consider herself liberated when all oppressed groups were liberated. She was involved in the founding of several important organizations and was active within the ZMV movement—a Dutch women’s movement for and by Black, migrant, and refugee women.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 20262. Tania Leon Marker - wide view, looking west on Raadhuisstraat
In 1982, Leon helped found Mama Cash, together with Marjan Sax, Dorelies Kraakman, Patti Slegers, and Lida van den Broek. The organization initially focused on providing financial supporting to small initiatives by and for women in the Netherlands. Today, it supports projects worldwide aimed at equality and strengthening the position of women, girls, trans, and intersex people.
In the Netherlands, Leon did not feel entirely at home within the feminist and lesbian movement. She was often the only Black woman present at meetings and events. That led her to place an ad to find other Black lesbians. Gloria Wekker had the same plan at the same time. Through a mutual acquaintance, the two women met and together they founded the first group for Black lesbians in the Netherlands in 1979. That group existed for two years.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 17, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
