How is Amsterdam, Holland important in the novel, The Heart's Invisible Furies?

The novel's protagonist, Cyril Avery, emigrates to Amsterdam after fleeing his Dublin wedding. Because Amsterdam is supportive of its homosexual community, both legally and culturally, he finds his confidence there. He has a steady boyfriend and a family. Even after he leaves Holland, Cyril says his heart is in Amsterdam. It is there he finds the romantic and familial love his life previously lacked.