28 Aug

19:00

Tolhuistuin

IJpromenade 2, Amsterdam

Celebrate the release of 'Lik', a rebellious queer debut novel by Tessel ten Zweege. The evening includes a presentation, a panel discussion on WLW representation in literature, a photo exhibition, and a DJ set.

Book Launch 'Lik' - An Ode to Women's Love in Literature

More info & tickets

Celebrate the release of 'Lik', a rebellious queer debut novel by Tessel ten Zweege from publisher De Geus. Tessel has previously published the books 'You Would Never Allow That' and 'Femicide: Till Death Do Us Part' and created the NPO3 series 'Tessel in Cyberspace'. At this event, you can get the very first copies of her provocative novel about women's love, complete with a signature at the book signing session.

In 'Lik', the chaotic Brechtje finds love with Numidia, a caring woman for whom family is number one. As a journalist, Brechtje is working on an exposé about abuse, but when emotions come into play, her work is called into question. Brechtje's tumultuous inner world colors her reality, her relationship with Numidia, and blurs the lines between fact and fiction. Is your story still believed when your worldview sometimes falters? Can love survive when it feels like you're going crazy?

After the festive presentation and reading from 'Lik', we will dive into WLW representation in literature with a panel:

Which characters have changed lives?
What are the best lesbian sex scenes?
Why is it important that we see our community reflected in books?

There will also be an exhibition of a photo series created for the novel by Tengbeh Kamara, a Dutch-Liberian photographer based in Amsterdam. Their portrait and documentary work explores intimacy, memory, and identity. Tengbeh belongs to a new generation of photographers characterized by an inclusive, bold, and critical perspective. Tengbeh makes visible what has been systematically ignored, resulting in beautiful, powerful, and colorful photos.

Afterwards, there will be room for a dance and a drink with a set by USII RIOT.

About the Participants

Tessel ten Zweege

Tessel ten Zweege (1998) is the author of the books 'You Would Never Allow That', 'Beyond the Bewilderment' & 'Femicide: Till Death Do Us Part'. She wrote, researched for, and presented the web series 'Tessel In Cyberspace' about online activism and identity politics for Omroep HUMAN. She is also a book editor for ELLE and writes for OneWorld, Brandpunt+, LINDA.meiden, and Het Parool.

Daphne de Heer

Daphne de Heer (she/her, 1972) is an all-around literature activist and publisher at the lesbian-queer publishing house Velvet Publishers. She also advises cultural institutions, teaches a Masterclass in Literary Festivals, reviews books for Nieuwsweekend, and is the chair of the Dichter der Nederlanden Foundation.

Nicchele Buyne

Nicchelle Buyne (she/they) is a queer Surinamese-Dutch dreamer, poet, and doer. As a spoken word artist, they have shared their words on various stages, such as Read My World, Mensen Zeggen Dingen, and Poetry International. Their work has been published in 'She/Her: An ABC of Lesbian Literature' (2024, Uitgeverij Kleine Uil) and the Queer & Feminist Poetry Anthology Vol. II (2026, Unwanted Words).

Nilay Ceber

Nilay Ceber is a writer, director, and performer. In her work, she explores the absurdity of life. She creates worlds where language and movement merge into a new narrative. She also teaches at various art academies. After her dance direction 'Alphabets of Flesh' for the Nederlandse Dansdagen, she directed several final performances for De Parade. She is currently delving into the universe of Shahmaran, Dostoevsky, and Kafka as a starting point for a novel.

USII RIOT

USII RIOT (she/they) is a queer Amsterdam-based DJ who combines tribal grooves, breakbeats, afro house, and baile funk with the irresistible energy of sing-along anthems. Besides being behind the decks, USII is also a singer and resident MC for Janey under the name JOY SINAR. She increasingly brings these worlds together in performances where DJ sets are interwoven with live vocals and storytelling. Whether through pulsating percussion, soulful melodies, or a microphone in hand: USII RIOT creates spaces where people can feel powerful, connected, and completely themselves.