Utrecht to Host Second Queer Health Conference for Medical Professionals
The Utrecht Queer Culture Festival is organising its second Queer Health Conference, a full-day event aimed at educating healthcare providers on the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Scheduled for Monday, 5 October 2026, at the Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, the conference seeks to bridge the knowledge gap that can often lead to inadequate or insensitive care for queer individuals.
The goal is to foster a healthcare system where LGBTQ+ people feel seen, understood, and respected. This initiative directly addresses issues like care avoidance, where individuals may delay or skip necessary medical attention due to fear of misunderstanding or previous negative experiences. The conference will be conducted entirely in Dutch.
Key Topics and Speakers
The day's programme will be chaired by Lisa van Ginneken. The opening session will feature a discussion with Utrecht's new alderman for public health, Afke Groen, and a presentation by Tomas Derckx from Rutgers on exploratory research into care avoidance among women and LGBTQ+ people.
A core component of the conference is a series of in-depth breakout sessions covering critical health topics relevant to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two rounds of these sessions. The confirmed topics include:
- Mental Health: Led by Laura Baams of Utrecht University.
- Trans Care - The Question Behind the Question: Presented by Annabel Markesteijn from PsyTrans.
- Suicide Prevention: A session with Baudewijntje Kreukels (Amsterdam UMC) and Diana van Bergen (University of Groningen).
- Aging in the Community (Oud(t) & Proud): With Roze 50+ ambassadors Marlies Groeneveld and Els Bischoff.
- Intellectual Disabilities & Queer Identity: Led by Mike Haanstra, coordinator of Eemhart Pride.
- Alcohol Use (Cocktail or Mocktail?): A discussion with Tomas Geling of COC Nederland.
- Minority Stress (Their Stress Has a Name): With psychosocial therapist Brand Berghouwer.
Event and Ticket Information
The conference is a collaborative effort supported by partners including Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, the Alliance for Customised Healthcare (which includes Rutgers, COC Nederland, and Women Inc.), and Roze in wit.
Date: Monday, 5 October 2026
Time: 12:30 (walk-in with lunch) to 18:00 (end of networking drinks)
Location: Jaarbeurs Mediaplaza, Jaarbeursplein 6, Utrecht
Tickets are now available for purchase. The standard price is €55.00, which includes access to all sessions, lunch, and the closing reception. A reduced rate of €39.00 is available for students. Those interested can register through the official ticket portal.
