Pages of Pride - Exploring Pride, Prejudice, and Queer Literature

Reading session by Ma'ma Queen

Ma'MaQueen is an inspiring artist and an undeniable talent. You might know her from Drag Race Holland 2020 or from House of Holographic Hoes, a gathering place for young (queer) individuals who often feel out of place in their regular families. Following the controversy surrounding the Drag & Kids reading afternoon in Rotterdam, where demonstrations were announced by multiple parties after a reading session by drag queens, she is warmly welcomed to Melkweg for an educational and inspiring reading session for parents & children! After the session, there will be time and space provided for the children to ask Ma'MaQueen any pressing questions they may have.

Talks by Sharan Bala 

Sharan is an artist, intersex activist, and public speaker. In her work, she reflects on the medical institutions that have treated her healthy intersex body medically. During Pages of Pride, she will give a lecture with an artistic approach about her own intersex experience through her artworks, followed by an extensive Q&A session. Through her multimedia installations and sculptures, she uses her experience to question power structures, the medical gaze, and the medical, political, and social diagnoses of gender.

Unwanted words host: Sunni

Sunni Lamin Barrow is an award-winning spoken word artist who fully embraces and incorporates his background, multiple identities, and lifelong experiences into the many distinct artworks he creates. On this evening, he will be the emcee, connecting the poetry performances presented by Unwanted Words!

Unwanted words Performer: Melody David

Melody David is a queer British-Nigerian writer and poet from London. Her debut chapbook 'rebirth,' published in 2022 by Versal, is a raw exploration of black womanhood filled with love, nostalgia, and magic.

Unwanted words performer: Lashaaawn

LASHAAAWN (she/they) is an interdisciplinary performer and writer. They are a poet, hostess, drag queen, comedian, and author of epic fantasy short stories. Their experience ranges from musical performances to theatrical comedic commentary and socially critical roles on the silver screen. Additionally, they have a collection of literary works.

Spoken word: Naya Aljoudi

Naya Aljoudi is a Syrian, queer, non-binary artist: the primary identity they have given themselves is that of a poet. In their work, Naya explores subjects such as wars, migration, colonial technologies, trauma, resistance, and collective liberation.

In the closet, out of the closet

Bert Sliggers was a significant part of his working life as a curator at Teylers Museum, where he was responsible for several groundbreaking exhibitions. He regularly publishes on the publishing history of pornography and erotica and conducts research on the history of erotic pulp in Europe. During Pages of Pride at Melkweg, he will showcase the highlights from his delightful collection in the realm of LGBTQIA+. Join Bert, pick up a book from the closet, or let him tell you all about it in person.

Living Library 

In the Living Library, you don't read books but people. Interesting individuals you might not normally encounter in your daily life. Does what we assume about people based on their appearances align with reality? A refugee, a transgender person, a former criminal, a homeless individual, and a teenage mother are ready to share their life stories with you. Engage in an open conversation where anything can be asked and discussed. On this evening, Living Library is joining Pages of Pride with a few people to "read."

Poetry

Lars Brinkman

Lars Brinkman is an actor, writer, and theater maker. He has performed in productions like 'Queer Planet' by HNTjong and previously created his own solo shows 'Nader tot U' and 'Männerbund'. He advocates for tenderness, despises macho behavior, and aims to critically examine the world around him with love.

Lies Gallez

Lies Gallez made her debut in 2021 with the acclaimed short story collection 'Het water vangen' (Catching the Water). In the same year, NRC named her a Rising Star in Literature. Her poetry debut, 'Honger, heteronormativiteit & het heelal' (Hunger, Heteronormativity & the Universe), was released in February 2023 by Uitgeverij Querido. She also teaches newcomers who speak other languages.

Renée Luth

Renée Luth served as city poet of Groningen. She published three poetry collections with Uitgeverij Passage: 'Pingpongtong', 'Preparaat', and 'Zeemeerminnen zinken niet' (Mermaids Don't Sink). Her works have also appeared in multiple anthologies. Renée conducts poetry workshops in education settings and organizes and hosts cultural events while performing on various stages. Additionally, she writes commissioned poetry.

Alejandro Ortiz

Alejandra is a writer and grassroots activist. As a trans woman, she has faced marginalization and violence. Her past includes sex work, drug use, being a refugee, and experiences as an undocumented migrant, among other overlapping aspects. She has been living in the Netherlands since 2015. Alejandra dedicates her activism to the visibility and empowerment of marginalized communities. Her book 'De waarheid zal me bevrijden' (The Truth Will Set Me Free) was published last fall by Lebowski Publishers.

Friso Bijleveld

Friso won Doe Maar Dicht Maar 2023 with his poem 'Jongen' (Boy). He is a young writer who came out at the age of 15. In high school, he became active in the GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance) and provided LGBTQ+ education. Friso writes poems about his experiences as queer and the way he experiences his gender. He also writes prose and is an aspiring history student.