Imagine strolling through Utrecht and seeing our history not just in a museum, but right there on the street. A small plaque marking the home of Hubert Schouten, the city's first gay activist. A mural near the Oudegracht celebrating the legacy of the Utrecht Ballroom Scene. A sign on the Jacobibrug, explaining why it's been the heart of the city's queer movement since the 80s.
This isn't just a daydream. It's a project in the making, and it starts with a conversation we're all invited to join.
On Wednesday, October 7th, an event called Queering Utrecht's History is taking place at De Kargadoor. The goal is simple but powerful: to figure out how we can take our city's rich, often invisible, LGBTQ+ history and make it a permanent, visible part of the urban landscape.
From a Map to Monuments
The evening will kick off with the launch of the new Queer City Map, a guide to 24 historic spots in the city center (and yes, you get to take one home). But a paper map is just the beginning. The real question of the night is: what's next?
The idea is to bring these stories back to the very places they happened. Think attention tiles in the pavement, plaques on buildings, mosaics, street art, and maybe even permanent installations. How do we do it? What should they look like? Where should we start? That's where we come in.
The event is designed as a big brainstorming session. After a presentation to get the creative juices flowing, host Laura Meijer will lead a discussion with a panel of people who actually know how to get things done in the city:
- Fred Nuwenhuis: An expert on public information signs from the Municipality of Utrecht.
- Marijke Huisman: A public history lecturer from Utrecht University.
- Mieke Heurneman: A heritage specialist from Landschap Erfgoed Utrecht.
- Romi Leever: A city council member for Pro.
- Wilfred van Buuren: Head of collections at IHLIA, the national queer heritage organization.
This isn't just talk. It's about laying the groundwork for a real network of historical markers that tell our stories – from pioneering trans artist Dirkje Kuik to the spot where the first Utrecht Pride kicked off, to the church where professor Gloria Wekker gave her influential inaugural address.
Why This Matters Now
Let's be real. Recent studies from Utrecht University and the Trimbos Institute have shown a worrying dip in LGBTQ+ acceptance across the country. Making our history visible is more than just a nice cultural project; it’s a statement. It’s a way to claim our space and remind everyone (including ourselves) that we have always been here, shaping this city, and we always will be.
This is your chance to have a say in how Utrecht remembers its queer community for generations to come. Your ideas, big or small, are wanted.
Event Details:
- What: Queering Utrecht's History
- When: Wednesday, 7 October 2026, from 17:00 to 19:00.
- Where: De Kargadoor, Oudegracht 36, Utrecht.
- Cost: Free, but registration is required.
- Sign up: You can secure your spot here.
The event is part of the Utrecht Queer Culture Festival and History Month. See you there?
