The Hague Seeks Its Queer Champions: Nominations Open for 2026 Awards

On the image: the winners from 2024 - Suzy Byczuk, Marielle Vavier en Jean Bernard Maweja

The search is on for the individuals and organisations that form the backbone of the queer community in The Hague. Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Haagse Queer Awards, a biennial event designed to recognise and celebrate those who contribute to the safety, visibility, and acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in the city.

Supported by the Municipality of The Hague, the awards aim to put a spotlight on local heroes. The public is invited to submit nominations until the deadline of Friday, July 31, 2026. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Two Categories to Honour Community Impact

The awards are divided into two distinct categories, each honouring a different type of contribution to the local queer scene:

Queer Figurehead (Queer Boegbeeld): This award is for an established person or organisation that has been a consistent, visible force for the community over a longer period. They are considered a role model and a pillar of support, whose work has had a lasting and significant impact on queer life in The Hague.
Queer Promise (Queer Belofte): This prize focuses on the rising stars. It is intended for a newcomer—be it a person, a new initiative, or a young organisation—that is already making a notable contribution. The award serves as an encouragement to continue their promising work for the community.

A three-person jury with expertise in The Hague's queer scene will review all submissions. They will select three finalists for each category, for a total of six nominees, before choosing the final winners.

More Than Just an Award

The recognition comes with financial backing intended to be reinvested directly into the community. Winners in both categories will receive a prize of €2,500. The other four nominees will each receive €500.

A key condition of the prize is that the money must be used within one year to fund activities or initiatives that further the emancipation of queer people in The Hague, ensuring the awards have a tangible and ongoing benefit.

How to Nominate

Anyone can nominate a person, organisation, or initiative they believe is deserving. Self-nominations are also accepted. The most important part of the submission is the motivation, which should clearly explain why the nominee deserves the award and how they have contributed to the local community.

To be eligible, nominees must live in The Hague or have a demonstrable connection to the city. The full set of rules and the official nomination form can be found on the Haagse Queer Awards website.

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