Who? Chris (they/them)
I chose this place because I find peace here. It's a spot I often go to when I need some space or time to think. Plus, it constantly reminds me to enjoy the city, and since it's by the water, it gives me a really calming feeling.
Who? Hugo (he/him)
I chose this place because I was reflecting on what being queer means to me and who I am. On my own, I would never have found the queer identity in which I feel comfortable now; I only truly become myself in relation to others.
I think I went all the way back to the very first moment I realized queer people really exist. That was when I met my best friend, and we're now at her home. They say I'm part of the décor because I'm such a fixture in this space.
Who? Charlie (they/them)
We're photographing me in the shower because that's where I feel I can leave everything outside. I can leave the world behind and just feel my body, cleanse myself, and come back to myself after a good day, a bad day, or an average day. It's where I can simply reconnect with myself.
Who? Aryelle (she/her)
This is the HIV Association. It's a place established, built, led, and run by people living with HIV. It's an environment without stigma. That's why Pozitively Trans chose this location and decided to collaborate.
What we aim to achieve is to bring together the inclusivity and diversity of people living with HIV under one roof, sharing the same goal: to live healthy lives with HIV.
Who? Nicole (she/her)
While studying political science and before coming out, I researched the history of the Homomonument. My studies gave me space to explore the queer movement, allowing me to engage with this topic. I found the monument beautiful; I thought, "This is for me too." It touched me deeply then and still moves me today. I started my research report with: "There is a beautiful monument at the Westermarkt." My supervisor immediately crossed out that sentence, saying it was an "academic study." But that sentence showed how meaningful this place was and still is to me.
Who? Jamilla (she/her)
Vrankrijk is one of Amsterdam's most beautiful safe spaces for me. They also consider sex workers, many refugees are helped here. There's a community kitchen, amazing "what the fuck queer" nights, as well as Arabic and Caribbean evenings. That diversity is what draws me to this place. Also, it's where Jamal Le Coq was born, of course.
Who? Holgs (they/them)
When I saw your call for submissions, I immediately knew my answer: "The whole city of Amsterdam." I have other safe places too, but the feeling of connection to the city where I live plays a big role in my queer journey, both positively and negatively: I've experienced queerphobia in our old home outside the city. For me, Amsterdam as a city feels like one big safe place. If we lived elsewhere, I'm not sure I would have chosen the entire city as my safe place. But I really enjoy living here. When I leave the house, I feel like there are people here like me. I don't feel like an outsider just walking the streets, unlike other places I've lived before.
Who? Babet (she/her)
This is my studio and part of the creative center it belongs to. For me, it's truly a safe place. I used to work a lot in retail and had a rather unpleasant work environment. When I started doing this full-time for myself, it was such a relief to have my own space — a place where I could just be creative, organize things, and plan.
People often say, "Oh, what a lovely place to try on clothes," clothes you just don't find elsewhere and in sizes not often available in stores. All of this happens in a small private room that's still part of a larger whole where I meet other fun, creative people. It's been a healing journey to end up here.
Who? Jacques (he/him)
First of all, because I live here. Secondly, this is my activism spot where I've campaigned against conversion therapy for many years.
They took away my freedom for two years. It took three escape attempts to get out. Youth for Christ offered me a free vacation, and I fell for it. I was held there from 1972 to 1974, but the years after were even harder because I didn't get any help. That's why I started campaigning. It was a long fight, which I began on November 17, 1979 — I remember it well. That year, I had a full-page article in 18 national newspapers about my past with gay conversion therapy and exorcism. Since then, I've been campaigning, and they haven't won — I'm still proudly gay.
Who? Billie (they/them)
I'm from Brussels. I knew I'd be traveling through Amsterdam and wanted to join this series to show that it's possible to be non-binary and older. I chose a park because parks give me a spacious, pleasant feeling wherever I am.
I never had strong feelings about having children. Then I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and suddenly the idea felt heavier, as if it might be taken from me before I even decided if I wanted it.
About a year later, I unexpectedly became pregnant. Now I have a five-month-old child, and I get to raise them in a queer dynamic, in a way that feels intentional. Breastfeeding feels especially meaningful — something I never expected to be part of my story. I know surgery will come later, but for now, this experience with my body feels very special.
Who? Aslihan (she/her)
Of course, we can only meet here, not in Istanbul. But this is actually my third time in Amsterdam. This is one of my best friends' homes in Amsterdam.
We've known each other for over 15 years but lost contact somewhere along the way. We reconnected because I came to visit for my film shown at IDFA.
So we made plans, and I visited again last year. I was a bit nervous. It was a generally chaotic time for me. I think after a certain age, say after 30, it can be risky to spend several days in a small space with someone you haven't been in touch with much.
But it turned out really well. We got along great. This place stands out as maybe the most peaceful days I spent last year.
Who? Maud (they/them)
Zeedijk is considered Amsterdam's Chinatown. I love walking there or discovering new spots because I don't feel uncomfortable there. I see people who look like me, and that gives me a reassuring feeling; that's why it's a very safe place for me.
I grew up in a predominantly white area in Twente. I was adopted from China, and my friends, neighbors, and adoptive family were all white, so I stood out. That's something I carried into my queer journey. It was easier for me to accept myself as genderqueer and queer in terms of sexuality because I had already gone through a similar process regarding my ethnic background. I've drawn so much strength from that that I just feel good about my queerness now.
Who? Finn (they/them)
I needed to get away and somehow ended up here. At that time, I was going through a tough period. This place was like open arms, always safe.
I've also always been searching for a safe place inside myself, honestly. Having a physical place where I never have to leave feels like the physical version of that inner safe space.
Also, my neighbor and I are good friends. All the neighbors check in with each other, giving it a kind of small village feeling in the city.
Who? Marjo (she/her)
For me, KNSM and Java Islands are THE islands. I feel at home here. I live in the most beautiful house I've ever had. It's peaceful but also lively, which I really like, and I feel safe. I don't feel the need to be overly cautious here, day or night. When you cycle from Amsterdam's center to the island, you feel a sense of calm, a lively calm.
Who? Magda (she/her)
For me, the feeling of safety in a space starts with feeling safe in my own body. So right now, it's not just about the location, but also about what I'm doing here: binding myself.
Having grown up with an intersex condition, I often felt my body wasn't my own. Within the medical system, I was treated as a defect or an object to be examined rather than a person with a body.
Binding myself has become a way to regain control. Pain and limitation used to be linked to fear, discomfort, and medical experiences I didn't choose. Here, I decide what happens to my body. I determine what feels possible, what feels uncomfortable, and where the limits are. This sense of control lets me feel present in my body again. It transforms something that once felt unsafe into something empowering, self-directed, and even joyful.
Who? Leon (he/him)
This is my room. It truly reflects my thoughts and soul. Everything going on inside me is visible in this room.
Who? Wanji (he/him)
I think because it's my home, well, more like a house — I'm still figuring out what "home" really means. But this is where I spend most of my time, and I feel safe and free here to just do what I want and be who I want. I also think it's a very nice location. We get a lot of sunlight. I like the apartment. It's very cute and comfortable.
Who? Renée (she/her)
I saw your project and my favorite trigger words—queer safe spaces and safety—were there. It's something I care about a lot through studio FrouFrou, my own tattoo work, and Queer Tattoo Fest. I think the tattoo world isn't always a safe place for queer bodies, given its culture, masculinity, and the way pain is experienced.
From this studio, the festival, and my own work, I'm very focused on changing that and creating a safe environment where every body feels at home.
Who? Janfrans (he/him)
I live nearby, and because the Pink Film Days take place here, I always feel incredibly at home. Ketelhuis hosts this film festival, and since 99% of the audience is LGBTQIA+, it's really nice to be here. You subtly know everyone belongs to this community. After the festival, it's over, but they regularly show gay films.
Who? Julia (she/her)
My friends and I often gather here. It feels natural to be in the studio. It was the first place that came to mind when I got your message. It feels good and safe, and I have some of my best memories here.
Who? Raquel (she/her)
This place is my home and for me, the safest place there is, where I can be myself, feel myself, and be whoever I want. I feel safe and loved here. My heart and family are here. The connection between the living room, kitchen, and dining room is what I cherish in my life. Connecting people, connecting communities — I think that's part of who I am. My home is my safe place.
Who? Cees (he/him)
There are two things: it could be at home, but it could also be a quiet place where I think it's perfectly fine to talk.
And of course, combined with nice weather like now, this is a pleasant and very large terrace. I know this location well. I often have meetings here, especially in summer, because I just find it a perfect spot.
Who? IsaBob (they/them)
I love being in nature. Of all the parks in Amsterdam, this is my favorite. Not just because of the birds but also because it's very biodiverse.
There's a garden here, and Parknest, where we are now, an old squatted spot. It feels like a very nice place. It's also a smaller park with lots of little corners where you can sit comfortably without feeling constantly watched. It feels more sheltered.
Who? Phi (they/them)
This is my partner's home, and I feel very welcome here. They have a space for me and my things and take good care of me, so I'm always happy to be here.
Who? Amari (they/them)
I live in a cooperative housing project. This place means a lot to me. I've worked on it over the past years. From the start, the building was meant for marginalized groups — people who often haven't felt truly safe or at home anywhere. The idea was to create a place where that's possible, where you can truly be yourself. What makes it extra special is that we didn't adapt to existing rules or structures. We built it from scratch in a way that fits our own values — not only how we live together but also literally, as we did most of the physical work ourselves. It feels special to have built a place like this together and now actually be here.
Who? Christa (they/them)
This is an anarchist bookstore. I immediately felt very welcome when I first stepped in. When I was little, I often went to the anarchist bookstore in Seattle, Left Bank Books. It wasn't specifically focused on the queer community, but among all the anarchist materials, I found so much queer content. I just thought: this is where I want to be. I love the smell of bookstores. I love the people who work in bookstores. I love the people who shop in bookstores.
Who? Jess (she/her)
It was important for me to take photos in Amsterdam Zuidoost. Since I've spent most of my time here since moving to Amsterdam, I've fallen in love with this neighborhood. I think it really reflects who I am and what I want to do with my life. I've become more involved in community activities and would like to take a course on organizing my own events and creating a safer space for queer people in the Bijlmer.
Who? Lea (she/they)
I chose this place primarily because it's very peaceful, and I like being in a calm, relaxed spot away from noise, crowds, and people.
Many things come together here — the light, water, reflections, and the sky. Many boats pass by, and each time they create waves along the shore and a soothing sound; it's very meditative.
Who? Margot (she/her)
About seven years ago, I visited the Netherlands. For some reason, I went into Kruidvat to buy nail polish. As I turned the corner toward Waterlooplein, I fell, and the white nail polish I'd just bought spilled all over the ground. I didn't think much of it except feeling embarrassed.
A few years later, I moved to the Netherlands. When I found a home, I realized it was right above where I spilled the nail polish. I could see the stain from my window every day. It gave me a strange sense of comfort, as if I'd left a mark before I even knew I'd return.
Eventually, I had the shape of the stain tattooed on my leg. It reminds me that I left a trace in Amsterdam and Amsterdam left a trace in me.
Who? Lisette (she/her)
I've worked at the Rijksmuseum for three years now and truly feel at home here, both personally and professionally. The Rijksmuseum does a lot to promote inclusivity and help people feel good about who they are and what they do. It's also a very creative environment with many creative people expressing themselves. I greatly appreciate the space given for people to express themselves. It inspires you to dress or express yourself at work however you want.
Who? Kirsten (she/her)
I feel safest in my own space. It's simply my space, that's a very straightforward answer. There are many bars I love to go to, and I would have liked to do the photoshoot there, but I struggle with social anxiety, so that's not always possible. This is actually my safest place, where I can fully be myself.
Who? Emma (she/her)
The reason I chose Volkshotel is that it feels like a safe place to me. Not just as a queer person but as a human being in general. It's a place where, after a hectic day, I can go knowing the people and staff are really kind. I can just sit and relax. That's why I chose it. I also know it's queer-friendly, which makes me feel more comfortable. It's also a place my friends and I visit often, so in a way, it's my own queer spot.
Who? Laura (they/them)
It's my room, so it's a completely private space. No one walks in uninvited or distracts me. For me, this is the place where I can let everything go.
Who? Wendy (they/them)
Because it's in nature. I feel safest in nature because anything can exist there and everything is free.
Who? Jules (they/them)
When I was a teenager, I almost always biked here to clear my head or just for a short ride. I just find it a very nice place to be.
Who? Joëtta (she/her)
I really love writing. I enjoy doing it at home or in cafés. So I thought, "Yes, I feel safe there" when I write and express myself, whether through music or journaling.
Who? Ada (they/them)
I chose Nieuwe Vide for two reasons. First, it's the queer center of Haarlem for me. There aren't many specifically queer spaces in the city. While technically not a queer space, it serves as a home base for many different groups.
Second, I was visiting the Netherlands without concrete plans. I decided to bike around and stumbled upon this art gallery in Haarlem. I walked in, and the people were so welcoming I immediately felt at home. We talked and lost track of time.
When I was back home in the US, I knew I had to return. A year later, I was on a plane. I now work at this art space, and these people have become my best friends. Thinking back, I'm still amazed how one unexpected afternoon led to a whole new life.
Who? Cedric (they/them)
The main answer is really, "this is what I have," but why my home and not somewhere else? It's more about my limitations than anything else. It's hard for me to go out, and although I do, I haven't really found a spot in the city or elsewhere where I can just hang out comfortably. Honestly, part of that is because of the smoking culture.
I have severe asthma, and no one really cares. That makes it difficult to move around many queer spaces. Home seemed like a good idea because I know I feel safe and in control here, and I don't worry about having an asthma attack or anything like that. Plus, I don't have to be "on" all the time here. I have autism, and being in public can be really exhausting.
Who? Lyonne (he/him)
I love the park, especially when it's busy because you see all kinds of queer people, people sitting alone, and families. It gives you the feeling that everyone is different. And that's a nice feeling.
Who? Jeannette (she/her)
This is undoubtedly the best bookstore in the Netherlands, not just Utrecht but the whole country. It's the oldest feminist bookstore and still the only one in the Netherlands. Last year, they celebrated their 50th anniversary. If you come here interested in the world, people, and relationships, you'll find a book that speaks to you.
The volunteers create a sense of community. It feels almost like family, which makes it such a great place for me. That was important because I started a relationship with a woman later in life and felt unsure about it. This bookstore gave me the freedom and openness to come out and enter the queer world. It really helped me.
Who? Pedro (they/them)
I feel a bit at home here, especially now that the weather is changing. I like hearing the birds and watching people walk by. I think it can be incredibly lonely here sometimes, and just seeing how others are themselves, especially in nature, is very pure.
Who? Noah Noël (they/them)
I chose my home because it's where I feel safest and most myself. There are many places where I'm aware of how others might see me, which makes it hard to fully relax. At home, that feeling mostly disappears, and I can just be myself without explanation. My home in Arnhem is arranged around my needs, comfort, and identity. It's where I can be myself without feeling watched or judged or expected to be someone I'm not. Especially as I'm recovering from difficult experiences and rebuilding my confidence, having a place where I feel safe and in control is incredibly important. Choosing my home also reflects something I've learned over the years: safety isn't just physical protection; it's also the ability to breathe, be vulnerable, and be authentic. My home represents that. It's where I keep discovering who I am and can simply be myself.
Who? Che (she/her)
I worked in education for twenty years but had to stop due to illness. In 2021, I began a process that led to a Long Covid diagnosis. I'm now partially disabled. In 2023, I slowly returned to work through COC Region Nijmegen's PR team. I quickly became more involved with the Pink House and eventually became a volunteer coordinator at COC. This place helped me rediscover what I can still mean to people, even with a body and mind that can't handle as much as before. Here, I feel seen for who I am and valued for what I do, more than ever in education.
Who? Elson (he/him)
This was the first place I saw how everything mixed together. It gave me the first feeling that it's okay to be whoever you are — Black, queer, a man — right here on this corner. Every time I walked by, I saw queer-looking people with septum piercings or purple hair. I thought: we need these kinds of people, visible queer people just walking around. Because when you have that, you know there's space for you, whatever kind of queer person you are.
Who? Bashar (he/him)
Blaue Bohne, I chose it because it's my neighborhood café and my cousin works here too. So I have a family connection with this cold, distant city. Over time, I've gotten to know everyone who works here, and it's become a kind of safe haven for me. Every time I go to Blaue Bohne, I greet everyone; I feel a bit like family. Sometimes I even go to their staff parties. That's fun.
Who? Priyanka (she/her)
This is my second home. I think most of us don't realize how much time we spend at work, and I really enjoy it here because I'm with nice people. They're like a second family, and every time I'm here, I get to live part of my dream. So this is very typical of me. This is who I am.
Who? Animo (they/them)
I really love this place. I like being here a lot. Actually, I don't come here nearly enough. I notice that when something special is easy to reach, it becomes a habit, and then I stop going. Now I know I have this amazing spot just above my apartment, but because it's so easy to get to, I hardly ever go. But before I lived here and only visited, I thought: what a wonderful place, and sometimes I had very special times here. I especially love the view over the city. And all those windows — I love windows — and it can even get very warm here in winter when the sun shines, making it feel like a little oasis.
Who? Mika (he/him)
I feel very welcome and comfortable in this dance studio. It's very cozy. I feel they offer a safe space without having to actively do anything to make you feel at ease. There's a FLINTA toilet and changing room, a separate men's changing room, and the atmosphere is just very welcoming; there are all kinds of people of different ages.
Who? Leira (she/her)
I chose to do it at home because it's the place where I can be myself, where I really feel connected to who I am, and where I feel very safe and seen.
Who? Soy (they/them)
I'd say my home is currently my safe place because I can just be who I want to be there, and outside you never know what might happen. It's always noisy and busy out there, so I feel comfortable here and it's just very cozy. I like being at home.
Who? Laa Wa (none)
I chose the U-Bahn station Grenzallee in Berlin because there's art on the walls, and art is very important to me. Art is part of my daily life as a queer deaf person, and it gives me a sense of security and being seen.
I moved to Berlin from another state because Berlin feels like a safer place for me. Here I have queer friends, can work with art, and there's a larger queer community. Berlin allows me to live freer and safer as a queer deaf person.
Who? Rosa (she/her)
In this house, I truly feel comfortable with who I am. At my parents' home, for example, I didn't feel safe bringing lovers or my partner home, but here it's just easy to have them visit. It's really important to me to have that privilege here. Also, I can talk about queer topics in daily life here without needing a specific queer space. We can just talk about it every day, and I really love that.