Image: Winq.nl
Last night, the Stadsschouwburg in Amsterdam was lit up for one of the most important evenings on our community's calendar: the Winq Awards. It's a night dedicated to celebrating the people and projects that don't just talk the talk, but actively work to make life better, safer, and more visible for all of us in the rainbow family. The winners of 2026 paint a picture of a community that is resilient, creative, and supported by some fantastic allies. Let's get into who took home the awards.
The Foundation: COC Nederland
It's hard to overstate the impact of COC Nederland. Taking home the Lifetime Achievement Award, this organization has been fighting for our rights since 1946, making it the world's oldest active LGBTQ+ organization. From the decriminalization of homosexuality to marriage equality, they've been on the front lines for 80 years. This award isn't just for past victories; it's a nod to the ongoing work they do to ensure the Netherlands remains a place where we can be ourselves.
A Place to Call Home: T-huis
The Community Award rightfully went to T-huis, a crucial safe haven in Amsterdam for trans and gender-diverse people. In a world that can often feel isolating, T-huis provides a physical space for connection, support, and shared experience. It’s a powerful reminder that community isn't just an abstract idea—it's a place you can go, where you are understood and welcomed. This win celebrates the power of grassroots initiatives that directly serve the most vulnerable in our community.
Telling Our Stories, Honestly: 'F*ck Drugs' and Roze Filmdagen
Queer representation in media got two big wins. The makers of the documentary 'F*ck Drugs' received the Media Award for their unflinching and humane look into the world of chemsex. By moving beyond sensationalism, they opened up a necessary conversation about a complex issue within our own community. Meanwhile, the Culture Award went to Roze Filmdagen. For nearly 30 years, this film festival has brought our stories to the big screen, evolving from a small underground event to a major fixture in Amsterdam's cultural scene. Together, these winners show the importance of telling all our stories—the difficult ones and the celebratory ones.
How to Be an Ally: Merol
The Ally Award went to singer Merol, and it’s a perfect example of what true allyship looks like. It’s more than just a rainbow flag in a bio; it’s about using your platform consistently. Merol actively champions queer artists, speaks out for our rights, and shows up at protests. She demonstrates how to be a supportive voice without taking over the conversation, and we love to see it.
Local Heroes and Global Fighters
The awards also recognized individuals making a difference on different scales. Kees Hogetoorn of Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam won the Local Hero Award for his dedicated work in making the hotel industry a more welcoming place for queer guests and staff. It’s a great example of how change can be made from within any industry.
Looking beyond our borders, the Hivos International Activist Award was given to Kenny Owen from Nigeria. His program, Tech4Pride, provides queer Nigerians with digital skills, opening doors to economic independence in a country with harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws. His win is a vital reminder of the global nature of our struggle and the incredible, life-changing work being done by activists worldwide.
Overall, the 2026 Winq Awards showcased the incredible diversity of our movement. From filmmakers and activists to community organizers and allies, it was a night to feel proud of the people who make our world a little brighter.
