Queer Calender
Welcome
Are you an (a young) adult looking for a place where you can be yourself, meet new people, and take part in activities together? Then Rainbow Society Leiden is the right place for you.
Rainbow Society Leiden is an open and inclusive community for people from the LGBTQ+ community and allies. We believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and connected. That’s why we organize activities where meeting others, creativity, and relaxation take center stage.
Whether you enjoy reading, writing, walking, making art, watching films, or simply getting to know new people — there is always something that suits you. Our activities are accessible, welcoming, and focused on connection. You don’t have to prove anything or explain yourself: you are welcome just as you are.
Rainbow Society Leiden brings together young adults who are curious about each other, about stories, and about new experiences. Together, we create a space where differences are celebrated and where there is room for everyone’s story.
Come by, join in, and discover that you are not alone. 🌈
THE QUEER DINING ROOM | WEDNESDAY, 15th of April
Looking for a cozy evening where you can truly be yourself? Come to our Queer Living Room! Together we cook a delicious meal, share dinner, and there’s plenty of space to meet new people. Whether you come to chat, laugh, or simply unwind — you are more than welcome. Together, we create a safe, warm, and welcoming space for queer young people, where everyone can be themselves.
💛 Pull up a chair, join in, and feel at home! The Living Room is an initiative by Marieke Josten.
Where: Het Volkshuis, Apothekersdijk 33A
When: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Entry: Free
For whom: Everyone aged 16 to 30
SUNDAY 12 APRIL
QUEER ATELIER
THEME: Textile Workshop
DATE: 12th of April 2026
TIME: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Matilo, Zaanstraat 126, Leiden
Led by artist Claire Zandvliet from De Stof Bond.
Everyone is welcome and entry is free.
Queer Atelier – Working with Textiles
During the Queer Atelier, we dive into the world of textiles and creativity. Guided by Claire Zandvliet from De Stof Bond, you’ll work with fabric, thread, and other materials to create something of your own. Whether you want to experiment, repair something, or bring a new idea to life — everything is allowed, nothing is required.
The Queer Atelier is an open and welcoming workshop with space for creativity, connection, and sharing ideas. No experience is needed; curiosity and a willingness to create are enough. Drop by and discover what you can make with textiles. 🧵✨🏳️🌈
QUEER BALLROOM | SUNDAY, 19th of April
Queer ballroom dancing is a dance culture that originated in the Afro-American and Latinx queer communities of New York. In the 1970s and 1980s, the famous ballrooms emerged: safe spaces where queer and trans people could express themselves, meet one another, and shine on the dance floor. It wasn’t about traditional ballroom styles like the English waltz, but about a powerful form of performance, expression, and community.
Within this ballroom culture, different styles and categories developed. One of the most well-known is voguing: an expressive dance style featuring sharp arm movements, poses, and catwalk-inspired elements. Voguing is inspired by fashion magazines, but also by resistance, pride, and self-representation. Dancers show their personality through posture, rhythm, flair, and creativity.
Today, you’ll get to know this unique dance culture. We’ll share some of the history of ballroom and demonstrate how voguing and other ballroom styles work.
After the workshop, there will be an opportunity to share a meal and get to know each other better.
Where: Het Volkshuis, Apothekersdijk 33A
When: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Entry: Free
For whom: Everyone aged 16 to 30
QUEER ATELIER | FROM MAY TO NOVEMBER
Starting May 17, Rainbow Society Leiden and VNTG are launching an Open Atelier for young people — a place where you can meet others, get creative, and exchange ideas in an open and safe atmosphere. In the atelier, you’ll explore working with textiles, from creating something new to transforming old clothes into something unique.
The Open Atelier is designed as a free and welcoming space where you can experiment with textiles and creativity together. No experience is needed; it’s all about enjoyment, inspiration, and connection.
The Open Atelier will take place on:
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Sunday, May 17 — Pride & Connection
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Sunday, June 14 — Pride & Joy
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Sunday, August 29 — Pride & Protest
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Sunday, November 14 — Pride & Fashion
Where: VNTG, Papengracht 23, Leiden
When: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (you’re free to leave earlier)
Entry: Free
For whom: Everyone aged 15 to 30
Come by, meet new people, and discover what creativity can mean for you. 🎨✨
QUEER HIGH TEA | FRIDAY 22nd of May
Enjoy a variety of delicious snacks, sweets, and tea together during our Queer High Tea. In a cozy and accessible atmosphere, there’s plenty of space to meet, share food, talk, and get to know new people. Everyone is welcome.
📅 Friday, May 22
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 BOP, Herenstraat 61
🎟️ Free entry 🫖🏳️🌈
For whom: Everyone
Sign up: via rainbowsocietyleiden@gmail.com
THURSDAY 4 JUNE
WRITING WORKSHOP
THEME: Queer Writing Workshop
DATE: Thursday, June 4
TIME: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
LOCATION: BOP, Herenstraat 61
COST: Free
FOR WHOM: Everyone is welcome
During this writing workshop, we will explore poetry. We’ll read a variety of different types of poems together and then get creative ourselves. No prior knowledge or experience is needed.