Grachtengordel in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Bo Laurent
| — | Walk of Pride Amsterdam | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026
1. Bo Laurent Marker
Bo Laurent
1956 -
zij/haar she/her
Erected 2026 by Walk of Pride Amsterdam. (Marker Number 39.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the Walk of Pride Amsterdam series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1996.
Location. 52° 22.429′ N, 4° 53.165′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Grachtengordel. It is on Raadhuisstraat west of Herengracht, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Raadhuisstraat 40A2, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1016 DG, Netherlands.
this page online
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: Herculine Barbin (here, next to this marker); Alje Klamer (here, next to this marker); Miriam van der Have (a few steps from this marker); Marielle Franco (a few steps from this marker); Brenda Howard (a few steps from this marker); Marsha P. Johnson (within shouting distance of this marker); Betty Paërl (within shouting distance of this marker); Thea Wickel (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.
Also see . . . Bo Laurent (Walk of Pride Amsterdam). Excerpt:
In 1993, under the pseudonym Cheryl Chase, Laurent founded the Intersex Society of North America (ISNA). It became the first organization in the world dedicated to advocating for the rights of intersex people. Her mission was clear: to put an end to the medical pathologization(Submitted on October 5, 2026.)of intersex bodies.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 20262. Bo Laurent Marker - wide viewThe marker is visible here set into the pavement in the center of the picture.
She fought against unnecessary and often traumatizing surgeries performed on intersex infants and children in an effort to make them “normal,” just as she herself had experienced. Through her words, the evidence she presented, and her extraordinary determination, she brought about significant change.
For a long time, the stories of people with intersex experiences had been told within a medical or psychological framework. After all, they themselves had learned to remain silent. In the late 1990s, the American intersex movement did everything it could to break that silence. Activists educated medical students and healthcare professionals, shared personal and political stories through ISNA’s website, and engaged in international advocacy.
On October 26, 1996, together with Max Beck (1966–2008) and Morgan Holmes, Laurent organized the first public demonstration by intersex activists. The protest took place outside the building hosting the annual conference of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Boston.
Carrying banners with slogans such as “Keep Your Scalpels Off Intersex Children” and “Silence = Death,” they drew the attention of both the media and medical professionals. It was a historic moment because, for the first time, intersex people publicly claimed their place and challenged the medical status quo.
The demonstration marked the beginning of a movement that could no longer be ignored. To this day, Intersex Awareness Day, observed on October 26, commemorates that first protest.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 5, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
