During Amsterdam World Pride 2026, a new book titled A Letter Full of Love to an Unknown Person will be launched, presenting a collection of writings from LGBTQIA+ refugees and migrants. The launch event is scheduled for July 27th at 18:00 in the A'DAM Tower, marking the conclusion of an extensive eight-month community project.
The book is the result of a series of five writing workshops organized by Queer Work, an initiative founded by project manager Sajad Salmanpour. The workshops, held in Amsterdam Noord, provided a dedicated setting for LGBTQIA+ newcomers to share their experiences, reflections, and stories through the medium of letter writing. Each workshop was guided by a different facilitator, with their sessions forming the basis for the book's five chapters.
A Project of Connection and Visibility
The initiative was developed to offer a platform for queer individuals who have sought refuge in the Netherlands. In a statement, the organizers noted the project's timeliness, positioning it as a response to the rise of anti-asylum rhetoric across Europe. The book aims to reaffirm Amsterdam’s reputation as a place of safety and solidarity for the queer community by making the voices and experiences of its newest members visible.
The project was structured with a strong ethical framework to ensure the safety and agency of all participants.
- Non-Commercial: The book is a non-profit project and will be printed on demand, with no commercial exploitation of the stories shared.
- Co-Authorship: Every participant whose text is included in the final book is credited as a co-author and will receive two free copies.
- Anonymity and Consent: Participation was entirely optional and required written consent. Contributors had the choice to be published under their real name, a nickname, or to remain anonymous.
- Inclusive Selection: Texts were selected for inclusion based on diversity and the project's narrative goals, not on the writer's previous experience or language proficiency.
The launch at the A'DAM Tower during World Pride places these personal stories at the center of one of the world's largest LGBTQ+ celebrations, offering a moment of reflection on the diverse journeys that make up the city's queer fabric.
