The event, titled 'Queering the Collection', will delve into the institute's vast audiovisual archive, which spans 125 years of newsreels, television programs, documentaries, and other media. The project sought to answer a critical question: How have LGBTQ+ individuals been represented, and where are the gaps in the historical record?
The research, conducted in partnership with students and academics from Inholland and Fontys Hogeschool under the supervision of Professor Joke Hermes, placed a specific focus on the representation of lesbian women and transgender individuals—groups often marginalized in historical narratives. Researchers conducted a 'deep dive' into the collection to identify shifts, developments, and significant omissions in how queer lives, relationships, and struggles were documented over time.
Attendees of the symposium can expect a detailed presentation of these findings. The program will also feature insights from in-depth interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community, discussing how media portrayals—or the lack thereof—impacted their sense of identity. The discussion aims to explore how archives can be used to democratize queer history and make it more visible and accessible for current and future generations.
The afternoon will provide an opportunity for conversation and reflection, concluding with a short version of the institute's Queer Pub Quiz.
Event Details
- What: Symposium 'Queering the Collection'
- Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026
- Time: 13:00 – 16:30
- Location: Nederlands Instituut voor Beeld & Geluid, Media Parkboulevard 1, 1217 WE Hilversum
- Cost: Free
- Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible.
- Registration: Registration is required. You can sign up via the Sound & Vision website.
