Organizers of a national conference dedicated to the safety and inclusion of women and LHBTIQA+ individuals have issued a call for proposals, inviting community members, professionals, and advocacy groups to help shape the event's agenda.
Scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, in Utrecht, the conference is a joint initiative by the national 'Veilige Steden' (Safe Cities) and 'Regenboogsteden' (Rainbow Cities) programs. The event aims to bring together policymakers and community experts to develop concrete strategies for a future where everyone can feel free and secure.
The focus extends beyond simply preventing incidents. Organizers state the goal is to address the underlying issues that force many women and LGBTQ+ people to constantly consider their behaviour, appearance, or whom they are with in public spaces. The conference will explore how to build a society where being oneself is not an act that requires a risk assessment.
Your Voice, Your Session: A Call for Contributions
To ensure the conference is grounded in real-world experience, the program will be co-created with individuals and groups from the field. Organizers are looking for proposals for one-hour sessions that foster dialogue, share knowledge, and inspire action. Accepted formats include:
- Workshops
- Brainstorming and working sessions
- Co-creation meetings
- Intervision groups for professionals
- Design thinking sessions
All submissions should align with the core themes of safety, inclusion, and the creation of a more secure living environment for LHBTIQA+ people, girls, and women.
Submission Guidelines and Key Dates
Those interested in leading a session are encouraged to submit a pitch. Here are the essential details:
- Target Audience: The conference will bring together policy officers, advocacy organizations, professionals, and engaged citizens.
- Session Format: Each session will last one hour and accommodate 20–30 participants.
- Compensation: A fee is available for contributors who cannot invoice through an organization, ensuring that individuals with lived experience can be compensated for their expertise.
- Pitch Deadline: Submissions are due by April 12, 2026.
- Selection Notification: Applicants will be notified by April 20, 2026.
- Online Briefing: A mandatory online briefing for selected presenters will be held on April 28, 2026, from 16:00 to 16:45.
Pitches can be submitted as a text document (maximum one A4 page) or a short video. Please send all submissions to lhbtiqa@movisie.nl.
This conference represents a significant opportunity for direct collaboration between grassroots community experts and the policymakers responsible for implementing safety initiatives in cities across the country.
