Love, Liberation and Glitter at Utrecht Queer Culture Festival

Simon Timmermann and Petra Luiken, co-organisers of UQCF

Neon splashed against the brick walls of Utrecht's medieval streets, while dancefloors sparkled with glitter. Last year’s edition of Utrecht Queer Culture Festival (UQCF), with its drag queens draped in sequins, truly felt like a celebration. It seemed that the entire city had decided, just for one weekend, to let everyone unapologetically be themselves.

This year, the UQCF returns with renewed energy, promising to be much more than just a party. At a time when the Netherlands - once a leader in LGBTQ+ rights - is seeing rising reports of violence against the queer community, according to an European Union Survey, the festival stands as a powerful reminder that the fight against discrimination is not over yet.

A festival with a vision

The idea for the Utrecht Queer Culture Festival first took root ten years ago in the minds of Petra Luiken and Simon Timmerman, longtime friends, community organizers, and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. “We both have a deep love for the pink community and for Utrecht,” Petra Luiken shared in an interview with AD Utrecht Nieuwsblad. “That’s what unites us. For both of us, giving up is not an option.”

They wanted to create a space that wasn’t just about nightlife, but also about culture, art, inclusive education and identity. Determined to make sure that the festival is also a place where tough conversation happens, the organizers initiated the Dirkje Kuik lectures, a tribute to the late Utrecht writer and artist.

“She was one of the first publicly transgender women in the Netherlands,” says Simon Timmermann, co-organizer of the UQCF and president of Pink Saturday Netherlands. “Throughout her life, she didn’t get the recognition and support she deserved, but she kept fighting to be her true self. With the annual Dirkje Kuik lecture, we celebrate her journey by inviting someone special to share their thoughts on what it really means to be yourself.”

This year, the conference will be hosted by Ines Kostic, the first non-binary member of the Dutch national parliament.

The program

The second edition of the festival will start tomorrow with a an opening reception at Utrecht City Hall in the city center, and a short program hosted by Utrecht drag queens Amy Astoria and Victoria Vyper. During the next ten days, Utrecht will celebrate LGBTQ+ identity with film screenings, workshops, spoken word nights, debates, and an all-night dance party at Bibliotheek Neude on Saturday.

Timmermann’s favorite part? The Walk of Love Parade during festival’s closing weekend. “It’s like a river of rainbow flags flowing through the city’s cobbled streets, with beautiful people dressed in bold outfits, marching and dancing,” he says. “It’s such a vibrant sea of joy and music. It perfectly captures what matters most to me: activism and visibility.”

For 33-year-old Bert, a member of the queer community, the festival is the perfect opportunity to meet their peers. “When you live in a world where people are always questioning who you are, having a space like this is so comforting,” they say. “It’s not just about being noticed; it’s about feeling celebrated for who you truly are. Throw in some music, drinks and good conversation, and this will totally shift your perspective.”

The Utrecht Queer Culture Festival kicks off tomorrow, October 4, and runs until October 13.