Who? Chris (she/they)
I chose this spot because it brings me peace. It's a place I often go to when I need some space or time to think. Also, it constantly reminds me to enjoy the city, and since it's by the water, that adds a calming feeling for me.
Who? Hugo (he/him)
I picked this place because I was reflecting on what my queerness really means and who I am. On my own, I might never have found the queer identity where I now feel comfortable; I really became myself in relation to others.
I think it goes back to almost the very first moment I realized queer existence was real. That was when I met my best friend, and now we are at her home. They say I belong in the decor because I'm such a constant part of the 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 reconnect after a good day, a bad day, or an average day. It's simply where I come back to myself.
Who? Aryelle (she/her)
This is the HIV Association. It's a place established, run, and managed by people living with HIV. It's a space free from stigma. That's why Pozitively Trans chose this place and decided to collaborate.
What we're trying to achieve is to bring together the inclusivity and diversity of people living with HIV under one roof, with the shared goal of living a healthy life with HIV.
Who? Nicole (she/her)
When I studied political science and hadn't yet come out, I researched the history of this Homomonument. My studies allowed me to explore the queer movement, which let me 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. I began my research paper with: "There is a beautiful monument at Westermarkt." My supervisor immediately deleted this 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 the most beautiful safe spaces in Amsterdam for me. Especially because they also consider sex workers. Many people help refugees here. There's a community kitchen, amazing "what the fuck" queer nights, plus Arab and Caribbean evenings. That diversity is what really draws me to this place. And it's also 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 I live in plays a big role in my queer journey, both positively and negatively: I experienced queerphobia in our old home outside the city. For me, Amsterdam feels like one big safe place. If we lived elsewhere, I'm not sure I would have chosen the whole city as my safe place. But I really love living here. When I leave the house, I feel there are people here like me. I don't feel like an outsider just walking down the street, which I did in other places I lived before.
Who? Babet (she/her)
This place is my studio and the creative hub it belongs to. For me, it's truly a safe space. I used to work a lot in retail and had a pretty 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. Plan things.
People often say: 'Oh, what a lovely place to try on clothes.' Clothes you can't easily find elsewhere, and in sizes not often available in stores. All of this in a small private room that's still part of a bigger whole, where I also meet other fun, creative people. It's been a truly healing journey to arrive here.
Who? Jacques (he/him)
First, because I live here. Second, this is my activism spot where I've campaigned against conversion therapy for many years.
They took 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 got no help. That's why I started activism. It was a long fight I began on November 17, 1979—I remember it well. I got a full-page article in 18 national newspapers about my past with gay conversion and exorcism. Since then, I've campaigned, and they haven't succeeded; I'm still proudly gay.
Who? Billie (they/them)
I'm from Brussels. I knew I'd be traveling through Amsterdam and wanted to participate in this series to show it's possible to be non-binary and older. I chose a park because parks give me a spacious, comfortable 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 could be taken away 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'm raising them in a queer dynamic, in a way that feels intentional. Being able to breastfeed feels deeply 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 special.
Who? Aslihan (she/her)
Of course, we can only meet here and not in Istanbul. But this is actually my third time in Amsterdam. This is the home of one of my best friends in Amsterdam.
We've known each other for over 15 years but lost touch somewhere along the way. We reconnected because I was visiting for my film shown at IDFA.
So we made plans, and last year I came by again. I was a bit nervous. It was a generally chaotic time for me. And I think after a certain age—say, after thirty—it's pretty risky to spend a few days in such a small space with someone you haven't been in touch with much.
But it turned out really well. We got along very well. This place stayed with me 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 so uncomfortable. I see people who look like me, which 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 a lot. That's something I carried as I grew older, and my queer journey is connected to that. It was easier 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 gained so much strength from this that I just feel good about my queerness now.
Who? Finn (they/them)
I needed to get away, and by chance, I ended up here. I was going through a tough time then. This place was like open arms and always safe.
I was also always looking for a safe place inside myself, to be honest. Having a physical place where you never have to leave feels like that safe place inside me, but in physical form.
Also, my neighbor is a good friend. All the neighbors check in on each other, and it feels like a little village in the city.
Who? Marjo (she/her)
For me, KNSM and Java islands are pretty much THE islands. I feel at home here. I have the most beautiful house I've ever lived in. It's quiet but also lively. I really like that and feel safe. I don't feel like I have to be overly cautious when I'm out here, day or night. When you cycle to the island from central Amsterdam, you just feel calm upon arrival—a lively calm.
Who? Magda (she/her)
For me, feeling safe 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 do here: binding myself.
Having grown up with an intersex syndrome, I often felt my body wasn't mine. In the medical system, I was often treated as a deviation or object to be examined, not as a person with a body.
Binding myself has become a way to regain control. Pain and limitation were once tied to fear, discomfort, and medical experiences I didn't choose. Here, I decide what happens to my body. I determine what feels possible, uncomfortable, and where the boundary lies. That control lets me feel present in my body again. It turns 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 inside me is visible in this room.
Who? Wanji (they/he)
I guess because it's my home—or rather, 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 to do and be what I want. I also really like the location. We get a lot of sunlight here. I like the apartment. It's very cute and cozy.
Who? Renée (they/them)
I saw your project, and my favorite trigger words—queer safe spaces and safety—were there. It's something I'm deeply involved with through Studio FrouFrou, my own tattoo work, and Queer Tattoo Fest. I think the tattoo world isn't always a safe space for queer bodies, with its culture, masculinity, and the experience of pain in certain ways.
Through this studio, the festival, and my own work, I'm working hard to create change and build 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. Since Ketelhuis hosts this film festival and about 99% of the audience is LGBTQIA+, it's very comfortable to be here. You subtly know everyone belongs to this group. After the festival, that passes, 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 is my house, and for me, it's the safest place 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—that's part of me too. My home is my safe place.
Who? Cees (he/him)
Two things: it could be at my home, but also somewhere quiet where I think, "It's fine to talk here."
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 find it a perfect spot.
Who? IsaBob (they/them)
I really 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. So it feels very welcoming. It's also a smaller park with many little corners where you can sit comfortably without always feeling watched. It feels more sheltered.
Who? Phi (they/them)
It's my girlfriend's house, and I feel very welcome here. She has a spot for me and my things and takes 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 for years. From the start, the building was intended for marginalized groups—people who often haven't felt 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 it to existing rules or structures. We built it from scratch in a way that fits our own values, not just in how we live together but literally, as we did most of the physical work ourselves. It feels special to build such a place together and now actually be here.
Who? Christa (they/them)
This is an anarchist bookstore. I felt very welcome the moment I first stepped inside. When I was little, I often went to the anarchist bookstore in Seattle, Left Bank Books. It wasn't specifically queer-focused, but among all that anarchist stuff, I found so much queer material. 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)
For me, it was important to take photos in Amsterdam Southeast. Since I've spent most of my time here since moving to Amsterdam, I've grown to love 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 neighborhood activities and would also 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 because it's very peaceful, and I like being somewhere calm and relaxed, away from noise, crowds, and people.
Many elements come together here: the light, the water, the reflections, and the sky. Many boats pass by, and each time they do, they create waves at 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. When I turned the corner toward Waterlooplein, I fell, and the white nail polish I'd just bought spilled all over the floor. I didn't think much of it except feeling embarrassed.
A few years later, I finally moved to the Netherlands. When I found a place to live, I realized it was right above the spot where I spilled the nail polish. I could see the stain every day from my window. It gave me a strange sense of comfort to see that stain, like I'd left a mark before I even knew I'd come back.
Eventually, I had the shape of the stain tattooed on my leg. It reminds me that I left a trace in Amsterdam and that Amsterdam left a trace in me.
Who? Lisette (she/her)
I've worked at the Rijksmuseum for three years now, and I truly feel at home here, both as a person and an employee. 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 really appreciate the space given to people to express themselves. It inspires you to dress or express yourself at work as you want.
Who? Kirsten (she/her)
Because I feel safest in my own space. It's just my space—that's a very simple answer. I mean, there are lots of bars I like to go to and where I would have liked to do the photoshoot, but I suffer from social anxiety, so that's not always possible. This is really my safest place, where I can be completely 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. For me, it's a place where I can go after a hectic day, knowing the people and staff are super kind, and I can just sit and relax. That's why I chose it. I also know it's queer-friendly, so I feel more comfortable there. It's a place my friends and I visit often, so it's kind of my own queer spot.
Who? Laura (they/them)
It's my room, so it's a closed space. No one walks in 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 everything can exist there and everything can just be free.
Who? Jules (they/them)
When I was a teenager, I almost always cycled 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 that at home or in cafés. So I thought: "Yes, that's where I feel safe" 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 this isn't technically a queer space, it serves as a base for many different groups.
Second, I was visiting the Netherlands without concrete plans. I decided to cycle around and came across this art gallery in Haarlem by chance. The people were so welcoming I immediately felt at home. We talked and lost track of time.
When I returned home to the US, I knew I had to come back. A year later, I was on a plane. I now work at this art space, and these people are my best friends. Looking back, I'm still amazed how one unexpected afternoon led to a whole new life.
Who? Cedric (they/them)
So the main answer is: "this is what I have," but why my home and not elsewhere? It has more to do with my limitations than anything else. It's hard for me to go out, and I do, but I haven't found a place 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 cares. That makes it really hard for me to be in many queer environments. Home seemed like a good idea because I know I feel safe and in control here and don't expect an asthma attack or similar. Also, I don't have to always be "on" here. I have autism, and being in public can be exhausting.
Who? Lyonne (he/him)
I love the park, especially when there are lots of people, because you see all kinds of queer people, people alone, and people with families. It gives you the feeling that everyone is different. And that's a nice feeling.
Who? Jeannette (she/her)
This is undoubtedly the nicest bookstore in the Netherlands—not just in Utrecht but in the whole country. It's the oldest feminist bookstore and still the only one in the Netherlands. Last year, the store celebrated its 50th anniversary. If you come in interested in the world, people, and relationships, you'll find a book that speaks to you.
The volunteers create a sense of community. It almost feels like family, which makes it such a great place for me. That was very important because I only started a relationship with a woman later in life and felt uncertain 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 as the weather changes. I enjoy hearing the birds and watching people walk by. Sometimes it can feel incredibly lonely here, but just seeing others be 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 authentic without feeling watched or judged or expected to be someone else. Especially as I recover from difficult experiences and rebuild my confidence, having a place where I feel safe and in control has become crucial. Choosing my home reflects what I've learned: safety isn't just physical protection. It's also about being able to breathe, be vulnerable, and be authentic. My home is that place. It's where I keep discovering who I am and can just be myself.
Who? Che (she/her)
I worked in education for twenty years but had to stop due to illness. In 2021, I started a process that led to a Long Covid diagnosis. I'm now partially disabled. In 2023, I slowly returned to work through the PR team of COC Regio Nijmegen. Soon I became more involved with the Pink House and eventually became volunteer coordinator at COC. This place helped me rediscover what I can still do for people, even with a body and mind that handle less than 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 where I saw everything come together. For the first time, it made me feel it was okay to be whoever you are: Black, queer, a man. Right here, on this corner. Whenever 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 if you have that, you know there's space for you, no matter what kind of queer person you are.
Who? Bashar (he/him)
Blaue Bohne, I chose it because it's my local café, and my cousin also works here. So I have a family connection to this cold, distant city. Over time, I got to know everyone who works here, and now it's like a safe haven. 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. Most of us probably don't realize how much time we spend at work, and I really enjoy it here because I'm with great people. They're like a second family to me, and every time I'm here, I get to live part of my dream. So this is very much me.
Who? Animo (they/them)
I really love this place. I like being here a lot. Actually, I come here far too rarely. I notice that if something special is easy to reach, it becomes a habit, and then I stop going. Now I know I have this amazing spot right above my flat, but because it's so easy to get to, I almost never go. But when I didn't live here and just visited, I thought: what a great 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 be super warm here even in winter when the sun shines, making it like a little oasis.
Who? Mika (he/they)
I feel very welcome and comfortable in this dance studio. It's very cozy. I feel they provide a safe space without having to actively do something to make you comfortable. There is a FLINTA toilet and changing room, a separate men's changing room, and the atmosphere is very welcoming; people of various ages are here.
Who? Leira (she/her)
I chose home because it's where I can be myself, feel truly connected to who I am, and 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 there, and outside, you never know what will happen. It's always noisy and busy out there, so I feel comfortable here, and it's just cozy. I like being home.
Who? Laa Wa (none)
I chose the U-Bahn station Grenzallee in Berlin because of the art on the walls. Art is very important to me. It's part of my daily life as a queer Deaf person, giving me a sense of security and feeling seen.
I moved to Berlin from another state because Berlin feels safer. Here I have queer friends, can work with art, and there's a larger queer community. Berlin lets me live freer and safer as a queer Deaf person.
Who? Rosa (she/her)
In this house, I feel really 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 easy to have them over. It's really important to me to have that privilege here. Also, I can talk about queer topics daily without needing a specific queer space. We just talk about it every day, and I really love that.