qMeet NL

What makes a story, an artist, or an event "of queer interest"? This simple editorial question sends us on a warm exploration of the idea of the icon. We look back at the specific tradition of gay men and their divas, from Garland to Madonna, and consider how that lineage continues and changes with today's openly queer artists like Chappell Roan. It's a gentle look at where and how we find ourselves in culture.

This week, we discuss a new report from the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe detailing a systematic, continent-wide playbook used by far-right parties to control media and cultural institutions. The episode breaks down the six key tactics, from intimidating journalists to dismantling public broadcasting, that are being used to silence dissenting voices. We explore the resulting "chilling effect" on creators and what it means when queer storytellers are pressured into self-censorship.

Is the famous Dutch tolerance for queer people a myth when it comes to the next generation? A massive new study of thirty-two thousand secondary school students reveals a complicated and surprising picture. This week, we unpack what this research means for the community and where the real fight for acceptance lies.

For our special Podcasthon 2026 episode, we pull back the curtain on a crisis happening right here in the Netherlands. While seen as a safe haven, many LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers face a systemic "culture of disbelief" where they are forced to prove their identity to immigration authorities.We spotlight the crucial work of LGBT Asylum Support, a charity fighting this broken system. Learn about their #NietGayGenoeg (#NotGayEnough) campaign, the impossible standards asylum seekers must meet, and the dangers they face even within Dutch reception centers. This episode is a call to action.Discover how a flawed process has devastating consequences and what you can do to help. Visit lgbtasylumsupport.nl to donate, volunteer, and sign the #NietGayGenoeg petition.

Utrecht's charming canals and historic towers conceal a brutal, hidden history of queer life. This episode uncovers that story, from the violent 18th-century sodomy trials to the secret clubs and brave activists who fought for visibility. Follow the journey from persecution to pride, as a history once erased is finally added to the Netherlands' official record.Visit the "Regenboogcanon van Utrecht" (in Dutch) at https://www.canonvannederland.nl/nl/utrecht/regenboogcanon

This week on Queer Meet Podcast, Victor and Sarah dive into the 2025 ILGA-Europe review to unpack the systematic rollback of queer rights across the continent and the resilient activists fighting back. The conversation then shifts to the complex landscape at home in the Netherlands. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the current state of LGBTQ+ equality and why our community's political power has never been more vital.

Join Sarah and Victor as they demystify who really pulls the strings in Amsterdam, revealing that the Mayor's power isn't quite what you think it is. This episode guides you through the city's unique political landscape, from the "Triangle" that manages public safety to the looming budget cuts facing the capital in 2026. Tune in to learn how the local government actually functions and discover that many international residents already have the right to vote in the upcoming local elections.

Healthcare workers face a unique "dual burden" of discrimination—not just from colleagues and supervisors, but from the very patients they're trying to help. In this episode, Victor and Sarah dive into new research showing that nearly half of workplace discrimination in healthcare comes from patients, creating compounding harm for LGBTQIA+ professionals.

Dutch LGBT History, ep. 1Twenty-five years ago, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to open civil marriage to same-sex couples. It was not a sudden revolution, but the culmination of a uniquely patient and pragmatic strategy forged over decades of activism. This episode revisits that historic midnight ceremony and uncovers the long, step-by-step journey that created a blueprint for equality movements around the world.

Time to get literary as we dive into our most anticipated queer books of the coming year. We're celebrating the incredible range of stories heading our way, from the final chapter for a beloved graphic novel couple to a powerful, defiant new edition of a famously banned book. Whether you're seeking a cozy fantasy quest, a historical romance in a ducal manor, or a wild sapphic space opera, the future of queer literature is looking wonderfully boundless and unapologetic.

Get your watchlist ready, because 2026 is a massive year for queer television. We dive into the new, returning, and final seasons you can't miss, from Ryan Murphy's new horror series The Beauty to the highly-anticipated queer storylines in Bridgerton. Prepare for a full breakdown of the year's must-see TV, including the emotional farewells to fan-favorites like Good Omens and Euphoria.

Welcome to 2026! We're kicking off the new year by diving into the incredible slate of queer films headed to a cinema near you. From epic pop melodramas and spooky summer camp slashers to vital, overlooked histories, the future of queer storytelling on screen is bigger, messier, and more exciting than ever. Join us as we celebrate the cinematic feast that awaits and explore why we're no longer just a niche.

Time to get cozy and talk about the stories that moved us this year. Victor and Sarah are sharing their highlights from a vibrant 2025 in queer books, television, and film. They get into it all — the stories that made them laugh, the ones that broke their hearts in the best way, and the vivid new worlds they couldn't stop thinking about long after the credits rolled. For the music - head to https://www.qmeet.nl/news/67/queer-music-in-2025

2025 was a year of whiplash. Join Victor and Sarah as they navigate the sharp global divide between historic victories and crushing setbacks. From the shifting political tides in The Hague to the polarization splitting the US and Eastern Europe, discover how the "Queer Compass" is spinning in a changing world—and why the fight for visibility is far from over.

This World AIDS Day special examines the duality of the HIV epidemic in Europe, celebrating the success of treatments that make the virus Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U), while confronting the "Hidden Crisis" of a 54% late diagnosis rate. We break down the barriers of stigma and policy failure, and look ahead to the future with mind-blowing news about a potential functional cure for HIV.

This month Victor and Sarah dissect Miloš Forman's 1979 musical masterpiece, Hair, analyzing Claude Bukowski's journey from naive draftee to counterculture initiate. We explore how the film’s energetic choreography and enduring score capture the raw confrontation between the conservative establishment and the spirit of youth rebellion.

This week on The Queer Compass, we look ahead to Paarse Vrijdag (Purple Friday), an upcoming day of solidarity where people wear purple to support the LHBTIQ+ community. Join them as they explore the event's powerful origins in the fight against bullying and discuss why this GSA-led action in schools is so vital.

This week on The Queer Compass, Sarah and Victor tackle a heavy but vital topic: The Laramie Project, now showing in Amsterdam. It's a famous documentary theater play, built from real interviews, that tells the true story of Matthew Shepard's 1998 murder. The hosts discuss the crime, the shocking "gay panic" defense used at trial, and how the play explores hate, loss, love, and courage. It's an important conversation about a piece of our history that should never be forgotten.More info: https://www.orangetheatrecompany.com/upcomingproductions

Get ready for Sinterklaas! We dive into one of the most magical and wonderfully confusing Dutch traditions as Amsterdam prepares for the Saint’s arrival on November 16th. Learn all about the steamboat from Spain, the difference between kruidnoten and pepernoten, and the creative art of "surprises" for Pakjesavond.

Forget hibernating! We are back with your complete guide to a surprisingly busy November. This episode is your one-stop shop for the best queer and LGBTQ+ events happening all across the Netherlands.We cover the major highlights like Amsterdam's IDFA film festival and the COC Songfestival, explore Amsterdam's packed calendar, dive into the essential party nights in Utrecht, and share unique finds in Rotterdam. Plus, we've got an insider's tip for visiting Eindhoven's stunning GLOW Light Festival with a community group.Tune in to get all the dates, details, and pro-tips you need to plan an amazing month!

This month on Movie Club Briefing, we dive deep into the Sundance hit Sebastian, a provocative film about a writer who leads a double life as a sex worker for his art. Then, we round up the biggest queer movie news and releases.

This week, Lucas and Jane are your guides to a packed season of can't-miss events. They dive into the details of the massive Amsterdam City Walk and the iconic Amsterdam Marathon, a weekend that promises to have the whole city in motion.Then, they look ahead to one of the most magical nights of the year, Museumnacht, where museums transform into vibrant cultural playgrounds after dark.

Ready for a walk through history? Get excited for the upcoming qMeet Leiden walk as we take you on a virtual tour of the city!Join us to explore the city's picturesque canals and discover how a devastating 16th-century siege forged its resilient identity, leading to the birth of the Netherlands' first university. From Rembrandt's first studio to the invention of the world's first battery and breakthroughs that attracted Einstein, this episode uncovers the legacy of a city built on courage and free inquiry.

This episode is your ultimate guide to Amsterdam Dance Event 2025, the five-day phenomenon that transforms the city into the global epicenter of electronic music.We're breaking down the massive lineup, from headliners like Black Coffee and Hardwell to innovators like Skepta, and exploring what makes the ADE Festival, Pro Conference, and Lab so essential. Whether you're an ADE veteran or a curious newcomer, tune in to get the full story behind the sounds and energy of this incredible event.

Ready for October? Alex and Maria are back with your essential guide to a month packed with queer culture, community, and celebration across the Netherlands. Discover what's happening at the Utrecht Queer Culture Festival, join the Walk of Love, and get all the details on Amsterdam's legendary Leather & Fetish Pride. Plus, a look at The Dutch Drag Dynasty, The Hague's Transgender Film Festival, and much more. Don't miss out – listen now!

This week on "In Amsterdam," we step inside the world of Claude Monet and his revolutionary art at the "Master of Impressionism" immersive exhibition. Discover what it feels like to get lost in his masterpieces, from the famous Water Lilies to the Rouen Cathedral series, right here in the city.

In this episode we are discussing the movie "Fireworks" that is at the center of attention during the October gathering of the qMeet Movie Club. We also tell you about some new movies to keep an eye out for, starring Alexander Skarsgard, Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal.

On the eve of its 750th anniversary, we explore the story of Amsterdam. From its beginnings as a village built on reclaimed land to its Golden Age as a global trading hub, discover the key moments that shaped the iconic city. Learn what's happening on the big day, October 27th, and how you can join the city-wide celebrations.Read more at https://qmeet.nl/amsterdam.php

We take a closer look at Amsterdam, a city famed as an LGBTQ+ paradise. But what do recent statistics and personal stories say? From concerning youth attitudes to the resilience of its community, this episode navigates the complex reality of queer safety in the Dutch capital.This is only the start of the discussion. Tell us what you think and we'll feature your opinion in one of the future episodes. https://qmeet.nl/discuss.php

This episode of In Amsterdam dives into the city's Open Monumentendag, a fantastic event on September 13th and 14th, 2025, where over 50 monuments will be open to the public for free. The show highlights the new "Open Monumentennacht" and explores several unique locations, from the historic Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski to the modern Universiteitsbibliotheek UvA.

Join hosts Victor and Sarah as they guide you through the upcoming Rotterdam Pride, celebrating this year's hopeful theme, "Queertopia." In this episode of "The Queer Compass" they break down the must-see events, from the vibrant energy of the Pride March and Festival on September 27th to the rich cultural program featuring powerful theatre, innovative dance, and live music. Get ready to explore the heart of the community and plan your perfect Pride week.

In this episode of "In Amsterdam" Jane and Lucas explore the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra's free "Opening Night 2025" concert at Sloterpark. They also uncover some curious and surprising facts about the orchestra and its legendary home, the Concertgebouw building.

This episode of "The Queer Compass" podcast features hosts Sarah and Victor discussing the highlights of the Queer Film Festival Utrecht 2025. They highlight films such as the energetic docu-musical REAS and the historical classic Coming Out, all while exploring the festival's theme of "Here, We Are," and its focus on celebrating the community.

A selection of queer events happening this September in and around Amsterdam. We've got a great lineup of everything from drag to theater.

Amsterdam Fringe Festival is happening in September. Over 220 shows by more than 50 artists are taking over the city for 11 days. The festival has a great selection of queer-focused events, and we've got a rundown of some of the ones we're most excited about. Image: AFF

On the September gathering of the LGBTQIA+ Book Club we’re talking about the powerful and poetic work of Ocean Vuong, focusing on his novel, "The Emperor of Gladness". At its heart, the novel is a profound exploration of pain, grief, and resilience, but it’s also filled with these incredible moments of kindness and healing.

The controversies surounding the movie Crusing (1980) - the movie we are discussing during the Movie Club meeting in September. Episode created with NotebookLM.

About the podcast and qMeet NL