Utrecht Queer Nightlife: Underdog or Ultra-booming?

Let’s get one thing straight: the clubscene is bound to queerness and community. And there is a lot to say about the queer clubscene in Utrecht. So let’s talk about it!

Together we watch the film ‘De Trut: 10 portretten’ by Pim Mookhoek. A new documentary about the legendary queer club De Trut in Amsterdam. From De Trut’s role during the AIDS epidemic to its current significance as an inclusive and safe dance floor in a changing society, the film shows how a Sunday-night party grew into an enduring cultural and activist force.

After the screening, we’ll focus on the queer clubscene in Utrecht. How does that current scene look like? What do we, the community, miss? What do we need, and crave for? How do we make that happen? And what can we learn from successful initiatives like De Trut?

The night will be hosted by Dave Coenen.

The panel consists of:

May van Loenen / ASSMAYONAISE

May Anders Yoni Okke van Loenen (they/them/he/him), also known as ASSMAYONAISE, is a Utrecht-based Trans Queer Artist, Organiser, Performer, Activist, Club-Creature and full-time Cunt. Since this year, they are the programmer of club WAS’ freshly-baptized second room “The Cuntine,“ home to the queer techno night of FLUID. Their artistic practice stands at the intersection of gender and sexuality expression with one simple goal: “Connection, not Perfection.” Bringing together Queer Joy, DIY Energy and Solidarity, M.A.Y.O. joins the Utrecht Queer Community and the realms of the Art World, all while tuning into the Dance Floor.

Amber Chen

Amber Chen is a figure familiar with many different aspects of club culture; as visitor of events, DJ/producer under the moniker Ambu Bambu, club promoter for De Helling in Utrecht, and up until recently one of the programmers at Relate Radio in Groningen. Having relocated to Utrecht after a long period embedded in the electronic music scene in Groningen, they bring a comparative birds-eye view on queer club life everywhere they go, taking in consideration the issues, joys, and areas for improvement from an artists’, visitor’s, and organizer’s point of view. 

Jente Meijer

Jente Meijer (27) creates spaces where people come together. Alongside her full-time job, she is active as a social and creative entrepreneur and initiator. One of her passions is bringing people, talents, and ideas together through initiatives that foster connection, inclusion, and social impact. Over the years, she has launched and co-created a variety of concepts and projects, ranging from the pop-up Bar Sjoef and the scarf brand So-sjaal to the queer event Sodemieter and Café Fataal. At the heart of each initiative is the creation of spaces for connection, self-expression, and community.

Café Fataal is an initiative founded by Jente Meijer and Dewi van der Kuip, supported by a dedicated and passionate team. The concept was born from the desire to create an inclusive space where lesbian queer people can come together in Utrecht. Café Fataal creates visibility, culture, connection, music, and belonging for FLINTA people in Utrecht. 

This program will be conducted in English.