A Bridge Between Past and Present
On January 28th, IHLIA, the Netherlands' LGBTQI+ heritage archive, hosted a vital conversation about the Dutch asylum policy for queer individuals. The evening celebrated the evolution of the exhibition, (Un)Documented: Queer Refugees in the Netherlands, a project that bridges historical archives with contemporary lived experiences.
Initially launched in November with historical materials from IHLIA's collection, the exhibition was expanded through a powerful collaboration with the Queer to Support community. Members contributed their own archival materials, art, and stories, sharing their personal journeys through the Dutch asylum system and expressing their hopes for the future. This collaboration transforms the exhibition from a historical overview into a living document of resilience and struggle.
Under the Spotlight: A Critical Look at Asylum Policy
The centerpiece of the evening was a panel discussion that delved into the complicated, often contradictory, history of LGBTQ+ asylum rights in the Netherlands. Moderated by Nilab Ahmadi, the panel featured a diverse group of experts and advocates, including Sabine Jansen (COC), historian Andrew Shield (Leiden University), Savannah Koolen (Here to Support), and Alejandra Ortiz (Papaya Kuir).
The discussion traced the policy's origins and highlighted ongoing challenges:
- Historical Roots: The panel explored how activists in the late 1970s and early 1980s first began advocating for specific protections for homosexual asylum seekers, leading to the creation of a legal framework.
- The Credibility Gap: A key theme was the persistent issue of stereotyping and mistrust within the assessment procedure. Asylum seekers are often expected to perform a certain version of "queerness" to be believed, a process that can be dehumanizing.
- Building Solidarity: The conversation also focused on the crucial work of organizations in creating safe spaces and building a more inclusive society for queer migrants in the face of a challenging political climate.
The Voices of Lived Experience
Bringing the policy discussion firmly into the present were Peace and Emmanuel, spokespersons for Queer to Support. They shared firsthand perspectives on navigating the system, underscoring the human impact of bureaucratic decisions. The evening was also enriched by a musical performance from the talented Benjacobs.
IHLIA board member Dino Suhoníc captured the essence of the exhibition in a powerful statement:
"(Un)Documented does not simply preserve stories. It resists forgetting. To archive (un)documented people – those whose lives are often defined by administrative absence – is a radical act of recognition."
Visit the Exhibition
The expanded (Un)Documented: Queer Refugees in the Netherlands exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of queer history, human rights, and Dutch policy. It remains on display at the IHLIA-plein in OBA Oosterdok, Amsterdam, until February 15th.
