Help us celebrate the life and courage of Willem Arondéus (1894–1943), artist, writer, and LGBTQ+ hero who gave his life in the fight against fascism.

Willem Arondéus was a Dutch painter, novelist, and openly gay man who joined the resistance against Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. In 1943, he and his comrades carried out a daring raid on Amsterdam’s public records office to prevent the Nazis from identifying Jews targeted for deportation. The action saved countless lives.

Arondéus was arrested and executed at age 48 for his role in this act of resistance. Before his death, he made sure his truth was known:

“Let it be known that homosexuals are not cowards.”

That declaration—defiant in the face of hatred—still inspires us today.

Why this matters

The Rainbow Honor Walk, San Francisco’s walk of fame for LGBTQ+ pioneers, is dedicated to honoring people like Arondéus: those who lived authentically, fought injustice, and left a legacy of courage. Each bronze plaque installed in the sidewalks of the Castro district ensures that their names and stories live on for generations.

Installing a plaque is a significant undertaking—each one costs about $10,000 to design, cast, and place. With your help, we can give Willem Arondéus his rightful place among the greats, in a city that continues to celebrate freedom, authenticity, and resistance.

How you can help

• Donate what you can. Every dollar brings us closer to permanently honoring Arondéus.

• Share this campaign. Help spread his story of bravery and truth far beyond San Francisco.

• Honor his words. Support the visibility of LGBTQ+ history and the reminder that love and courage can outlast oppression.

Together, we can make history visible.

Join us in bringing Willem Arondéus’s legacy to life on the streets of San Francisco.

✨ Donate today and help us install a plaque in his honor.