The Hague's queer community is preparing to celebrate its local champions, with the nominees for the 2026 Haagse Queer Awards now public. The list features six individuals and organizations whose work forms the backbone of the city's LGBTQ+ life, from grassroots collectives to veteran activists. The nominees are split into two distinct categories: 'Queer Promise' for new and impactful initiatives, and 'Queer Figurehead' for those with a long and proven history of advocacy.
The New Guard: Nominees for Queer Promise
This category highlights the fresh energy and ideas shaping the future of The Hague's queer scene.
River Hustad has been nominated for creating community on their own terms. By opening their living room to queer youth, Hustad provides a space for familial connection outside of traditional venues. They are a co-founder of the Riot Queer Collective, a DIY hub for art, music, and radical self-expression that offers a haven for queers, misfits, and punks. The collective has already spawned new projects, including Muppets for Trans Rights and a Rocky Horror shadowcast in collaboration with Filmhuis Den Haag.
The organization Faluma, founded by Demi Vreden, focuses on connecting the queer community within the African diaspora. Recognizing that these experiences are often underrepresented, Faluma creates a platform for shared stories, art, and culture. Its central mission is to foster 'Black Queer Joy,' providing a dedicated space where community members can gather, be themselves, and strengthen their bonds.
Queer Planet is recognized for its work in strengthening the social fabric of the city's queer scene, with a particular focus on newcomers. The organization helps people build connections through a buddy system and a wide range of activities. Their goal is to create a The Hague where queer life is not just accepted but is a vibrant, integral part of the city's social and cultural development.
Pillars of the Community: Nominees for Queer Figurehead
This award honors individuals whose long-term dedication has had a lasting impact on the community.
A veteran of queer advocacy, Renate den Heijer has a long and varied record of service. She is a key figure in the Roze Rèigâhs, the queer supporters club for the ADO Den Haag football team, which has fought homophobia in sports for decades. Her work also extends to policy, having co-founded the municipality's LGBTQ+ network, and advocacy, serving as an ambassador for Transgender Netwerk Nederland.
For the past decade, Aldo Rodriguez has been building a vital network for queer parents. He founded the Queer Families Group in 2024 after he and his husband welcomed their daughter, wanting her to grow up surrounded by other families like hers. What started as a personal mission has grown into a nationwide, English-speaking community of nearly 300 members who share resources, support, and experiences.
For nearly two decades, Hilde Vossen (pictured) has been a consistent force for connection in The Hague. As the coordinator for the social network Queer aan Zee, she has organized countless meetups, cultural outings, and sporting activities. Vossen is also the creator and curator of the Queer aan Zee Newsletter and the invaluable 'Queer Guide of The Hague,' a resource that has helped many people navigate and find their place within the city's diverse LGBTQ+ landscape.
The winners will be revealed at the Haagse Queer Awards ceremony on the evening of Saturday, October 10, 2026. The event highlights the diverse ways in which community is built—from living room gatherings and online groups to decades of public advocacy.
