How to ensure thatpeople from thequeercommunityFeeling safe and seen in healthcare? That question was at the heart of Utrecht Queer Culture Festival's first Queer Health Conference. An afternoon for care and welfare professionals: from GP and psychologist to hospital, GGZ and neighbourhood team.
In the evaluation, reactions were very positive: about the venue, the break-outs and the logistics. Everything was accessible and clearly indicated. And yes, the room itself also contributed to the atmosphere. The Auditorium had rainbow colours. That suited this event so well.Simon Timmerman - Initiator Queer Health Conference
Initiators Petra Luiken and Simon Timmerman have been building a festival since 2023 that adds depth tothePride. "Right from the start, we wanted next to a week of celebrations,also room for contentand deepening," says Simon.Care was an important part of it.Petra: "Within our community, there is still much to be gained on inclusive care. Withthis conferencewe wanted healthcare providersgive informationthat they can already do something with tomorrow."
Jaarbeurs as strategic partner
The first edition took place in the Auditorium of Jaarbeurs. A conscious and strategic choice, Simon says: "We wanted to send the signal: this is not something we are 'just' trying. We see potential to develop this further in the coming years. Then a serious venue that understands congresses fits in with that." The image also played a role. "When you think of congresses in Utrecht, you quickly think of Jaarbeurs. That helps to get healthcare professionals on board."
Moreover, the cooperation did not come out of the blue, as Jaarbeurs had previously been involved as a sponsor of the festival's boat at Utrecht Pride. That involvement was followed up with content at the Queer Health Conference as a contribution to the venue hire. Petra: "The fact that Jaarbeurs was involved in this and accommodated us immediately gave us a professional start."
Participants also recognised the professionalism. Simon: "In the evaluation, reactions were very positive: about the venue, the break-outs and the logistics. Everything was accessible and clearly indicated." And yes, the room itself also contributed to the atmosphere. "The Auditorium had rainbow colours, which suited this event so well."
Compact programme, clear need
As it was the first edition, the organisers deliberately chose an afternoon: a plenary opening, two partial sessions, a plenary closing and drinks. In the running and break times, there was a small information market with involved organisations. They kept the threshold low: access to the event was free, all to see whether there was any enthusiasm at all for an event like this. And that turned out to be the case. Simon: "We had over 100 registrations and in the end about 90 people attended - really very strong for a first time event!"
The atmosphere also impressed. Petra: "When the hall was full, you immediately felt: this is needed, there is a need for this." Afterwards, even organisations came to them asking if they could participate or join next year. "That is exactly what you want," says Petra. "Support that becomes broader than just us."
A mutual feeling
Account manager Fleur van den Berg also sees a direct match with Jaarbeurs's ambitions. "We want to be an inclusive place where everyone is welcome and radiate that. Events like this show that." In addition, it matches the healthcare position Jaarbeurs wants to strengthen. "Utrecht wants to be the Heart of Health, which we encourage at Jaarbeurs with the Dutch Health Hub and Dutch Health Week, among others, but also by hosting relevant healthcare congresses."
But for Fleur, there is something else, namely: meaning. "I organise conferences every day. And certainly not every congress feels like you're making the world a bit better. But this one does, which motivates me to run extra hard for this."
Collaboration and outlook
Both parties look back on a warm cooperation. Petra was very pleased with the quick turnaround. And Simon looks back with satisfaction at clear agreements: "On the day itself, it was exactly as agreed. People are approachable, technology works and the catering understands what conference visitors need."
The ambition is clear: expand, fine-tune and grow. Petra: "How cool would it be if this is the queer health conference of the Netherlands in a few years' time?"
