Based on the article by Leidsch Dagblad
A New Chapter in a Lifetime of Activism
For many, turning 88 might signal a time to slow down. But for Magda Römgens, it’s simply a chance to refocus her activism. A lifelong advocate for human rights, Magda has recently launched the very first social café for LGBTQ+ seniors in her Leiden neighborhood of Merenwijk, proving that the fight for community and visibility has no age limit.
Magda is no stranger to the front lines. Her activist journey began in the 1960s, championing women's emancipation and the right to abortion. For the past decade, she has been a familiar face across the Netherlands as part of the theatre group Tour d’Amour, where she openly shared her life story as a lesbian woman who came out at 41 after being married to a man and raising four children. Her tireless dedication earned her the title of Mrs Senior Pride in 2021.
Confronting the 'Pink Ceiling' in Elderly Care
While the national tours with Tour d’Amour have become too physically demanding, Magda’s motivation remains as strong as ever. A key driver for her work is the harsh reality many queer elders face when they enter residential care: a return to the closet.
She recounts the frustratingly common response she received when trying to book performances in care homes:
"'We don't have that problem here,' was the standard answer," she explains.
This denial and lack of understanding create an environment where many feel unsafe to be themselves. "It's because of that lack of understanding that many pink seniors go back into the closet," Magda says, adding with profound empathy, "Even as outspoken as I am, I understand it. I would probably crawl back under the table there too."
From National Stage to Neighborhood Hub
Recognizing that change must also be built from the ground up, Magda decided to bring her efforts closer to home. This past August, she organized the inaugural meeting for LGBTQ+ seniors in Merenwijk, the neighborhood she has lived in with her partner, Mien Kluiters, for forty years. The goal was simple: to create a safe, welcoming space for connection and mutual support.
The first gathering was an immediate success, demonstrating a clear need for such a local haven where people can be themselves without fear or explanation.
A Vision of Solidarity
Magda’s vision extends beyond just the LGBTQ+ community. Her activism is rooted in a deep belief in solidarity for all. A poem taped to her front window celebrates her Moroccan neighbor's engagement to his Jewish boyfriend—a small but powerful symbol of the interconnected world she champions.
Ultimately, she hopes her new café will not only support queer elders but also help break down barriers with the wider neighborhood. Her goal is for a future where labels become irrelevant. "I just hope it becomes a normal fact that I love women," she states. Through her unwavering dedication, Magda Römgens continues to build that future, one conversation and one cup of coffee at a time.
