qMeet NL

Do you belong here? That's the question at the heart of queer imposter syndrome, the feeling that you're about to be found out as "not queer enough" for the room you're in. We break down how this anxiety manifests across the community, from the constant gatekeeping of bisexuality to the unique invisibility of asexuality. Join us as we explore why so many of us feel like touri...

As rainbow logos take over for June, we ask a crucial question: who is Pride really for anymore? From "sponsored float fatigue" to the pressure to perform a perfect kind of joy, we're exploring why the massive parade can feel increasingly hollow. Join us as we discuss the growing desire for smaller, safer, and more authentic ways to connect with community.

Long before Amsterdam became a rainbow-colored haven, sodomy was a crime punishable by death in the Dutch lands. This episode uncovers the great 18th-century sodomy panic, a brutal moral campaign that attempted to eradicate a secret queer world. But in a stunning twist, the very court records meant to destroy this community became an accidental archive, preserving the codes and culture of a people...

What does it mean to be straight? Today we explore the surprisingly blurry world of "heteroflexibility," where some men who identify as straight have sex with other men—sometimes to preserve their marriages. We unpack why these men don't call themselves bisexual, how these encounters can paradoxically reinforce masculinity, and why new science is starting to see them as a distinct or...

What makes a story, an artist, or an event "of queer interest"? This simple editorial question sends us on a warm exploration of the idea of the icon. We look back at the specific tradition of gay men and their divas, from Garland to Madonna, and consider how that lineage continues and changes with today's openly queer artists like Chappell Roan. It's a gentle look at where and h...

This week, we discuss a new report from the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe detailing a systematic, continent-wide playbook used by far-right parties to control media and cultural institutions. The episode breaks down the six key tactics, from intimidating journalists to dismantling public broadcasting, that are being used to silence dissenting voices. We explore the resulting "chilling effe...

Is the famous Dutch tolerance for queer people a myth when it comes to the next generation? A massive new study of thirty-two thousand secondary school students reveals a complicated and surprising picture. This week, we unpack what this research means for the community and where the real fight for acceptance lies.

For our special Podcasthon 2026 episode, we pull back the curtain on a crisis happening right here in the Netherlands. While seen as a safe haven, many LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers face a systemic "culture of disbelief" where they are forced to prove their identity to immigration authorities. We spotlight the crucial work of LGBT Asylum Support, a charity fighting this broken system. Learn ab...

Utrecht's charming canals and historic towers conceal a brutal, hidden history of queer life. This episode uncovers that story, from the violent 18th-century sodomy trials to the secret clubs and brave activists who fought for visibility. Follow the journey from persecution to pride, as a history once erased is finally added to the Netherlands' official record. Visit the "Regenboogcan...

This week on Queer Meet Podcast, Victor and Sarah dive into the 2025 ILGA-Europe review to unpack the systematic rollback of queer rights across the continent and the resilient activists fighting back. The conversation then shifts to the complex landscape at home in the Netherlands. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the current state of LGBTQ+ equality and why our community's political pow...

Join Sarah and Victor as they demystify who really pulls the strings in Amsterdam, revealing that the Mayor's power isn't quite what you think it is. This episode guides you through the city's unique political landscape, from the "Triangle" that manages public safety to the looming budget cuts facing the capital in 2026. Tune in to learn how the local government actually func...

Healthcare workers face a unique "dual burden" of discrimination—not just from colleagues and supervisors, but from the very patients they're trying to help. In this episode, Victor and Sarah dive into new research showing that nearly half of workplace discrimination in healthcare comes from patients, creating compounding harm for LGBTQIA+ professionals.

Dutch LGBT History, ep. 1 Twenty-five years ago, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to open civil marriage to same-sex couples. It was not a sudden revolution, but the culmination of a uniquely patient and pragmatic strategy forged over decades of activism. This episode revisits that historic midnight ceremony and uncovers the long, step-by-step journey that created a blueprint...

Time to get literary as we dive into our most anticipated queer books of the coming year. We're celebrating the incredible range of stories heading our way, from the final chapter for a beloved graphic novel couple to a powerful, defiant new edition of a famously banned book. Whether you're seeking a cozy fantasy quest, a historical romance in a ducal manor, or a wild sapphic space opera, the futu...

Get your watchlist ready, because 2026 is a massive year for queer television. We dive into the new, returning, and final seasons you can't miss, from Ryan Murphy's new horror series The Beauty to the highly-anticipated queer storylines in Bridgerton . Prepare for a full breakdown of the year's must-see TV, including the emotional farewells to fan-favorites like Good Omens and Euphoria...

Welcome to 2026! We're kicking off the new year by diving into the incredible slate of queer films headed to a cinema near you. From epic pop melodramas and spooky summer camp slashers to vital, overlooked histories, the future of queer storytelling on screen is bigger, messier, and more exciting than ever. Join us as we celebrate the cinematic feast that awaits and explore why we're no longer jus...

Time to get cozy and talk about the stories that moved us this year. Victor and Sarah are sharing their highlights from a vibrant 2025 in queer books, television, and film. They get into it all — the stories that made them laugh, the ones that broke their hearts in the best way, and the vivid new worlds they couldn't stop thinking about long after the credits rolled. For the music - head to ht...

2025 was a year of whiplash. Join Victor and Sarah as they navigate the sharp global divide between historic victories and crushing setbacks. From the shifting political tides in The Hague to the polarization splitting the US and Eastern Europe, discover how the "Queer Compass" is spinning in a changing world—and why the fight for visibility is far from over.

This World AIDS Day special examines the duality of the HIV epidemic in Europe, celebrating the success of treatments that make the virus Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U), while confronting the "Hidden Crisis" of a 54% late diagnosis rate. We break down the barriers of stigma and policy failure, and look ahead to the future with mind-blowing news about a potential functional cure for H...

This month Victor and Sarah dissect Miloš Forman's 1979 musical masterpiece, Hair , analyzing Claude Bukowski's journey from naive draftee to counterculture initiate. We explore how the film’s energetic choreography and enduring score capture the raw confrontation between the conservative establishment and the spirit of youth rebellion.

This week on The Queer Compass, we look ahead to Paarse Vrijdag (Purple Friday), an upcoming day of solidarity where people wear purple to support the LHBTIQ+ community. Join them as they explore the event's powerful origins in the fight against bullying and discuss why this GSA-led action in schools is so vital.

This week on The Queer Compass, Sarah and Victor tackle a heavy but vital topic: The Laramie Project , now showing in Amsterdam. It's a famous documentary theater play, built from real interviews, that tells the true story of Matthew Shepard's 1998 murder. The hosts discuss the crime, the shocking "gay panic" defense used at trial, and how the play explores hate, loss, love, and...

Get ready for Sinterklaas! We dive into one of the most magical and wonderfully confusing Dutch traditions as Amsterdam prepares for the Saint’s arrival on November 16th. Learn all about the steamboat from Spain, the difference between kruidnoten and pepernoten , and the creative art of "surprises" for Pakjesavond .

Forget hibernating! We are back with your complete guide to a surprisingly busy November. This episode is your one-stop shop for the best queer and LGBTQ+ events happening all across the Netherlands. We cover the major highlights like Amsterdam's IDFA film festival and the COC Songfestival , explore Amsterdam 's packed calendar, dive into the essential party nights in Utrecht , and share u...

This month on Movie Club Briefing, we dive deep into the Sundance hit Sebastian , a provocative film about a writer who leads a double life as a sex worker for his art. Then, we round up the biggest queer movie news and releases.