The 14th edition of Gay Pride in Amsterdam officially started on Sunday. For one week, the Dutch capital will host a series of events, including exhibitions, films and parties for lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people, culminating in a raucous parade along one of Amsterdam's famous canals.

This year's theme is 'extraordinary'. Pride Week's organisers, ProGay, say the theme was chosen to emphasise the richness and diversity of the LGBT community as well as the contribution to society in general. ProGay say the old, stereotypical ideas about gays and lesbians are still common currency among many heterosexuals; the organisation wants to emphasise that gays and lesbians are also successful entrepreneurs, politicians, writers, artists and athletes.

During Saturday's Canal Parade, Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen will marry five Dutch-US couples. The ceremony is partly designed as a message to the US government, which passed a federal law prohibiting same-sex couples marrying. A few states have introduced same-sex marriage laws, but state law does not bring any benefit or legal status at federal level.