You're about to listen to a BBC podcast and maybe it's when I had a hand in.

I'm Tammy Walker and I produce podcasts for the BBC.

My role is to give new and diverse creators a voice with the opportunity to build a career.

That's the thing I love about Podcast.

You start with just a good idea.

But then you have the space to see where it goes.

And doing that at the BBC means we can really run with the best stories

while developing the most unique audio talent.

So if you like what you hear, why not check out the huge range of

podcast we've got on BBC Sounds. You're listening to the Witness History podcast from the BBC World Service with me Dan Hardoon.

I'm taking you back to the 1st of April 2001, when the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize gay marriage.

I've been speaking to Anne-Marie Thorsen her wife, Helena Fassa, who became the first lesbian couple to get married under the new law.

We arrived at City Hall and it was really difficult to go to all those people.

It was almost impossible to get out of the car especially with

the dress and the veil etc.

Anne Marie and Helena met on a blind date in in 1998.

We were both very reluctant, I think, to go on that blind date.

Well, after some pushing of the France, we decided to go ahead with it and I think well immediately I was

struck by a newie's eyes I like that she was quite for coming and that she yeah

just a person who she is.

So what was it like to live openly as a gay couple in those days?

It was quite easy for us.

...