17:00-22:00 | Queer Market: Art, Food & Community Support and connect with queer refugee creatives
Meet and support queer artists, creators, and makers from refugee backgrounds. Browse original artwork, enjoy food, and get a fresh haircut from a queer newcomer! Featuring:
Aydin Azizov (he/him)
a citizen of the world who grew up in Baku, Azerbaijan, but spent his summers
in Ganja, the second biggest city of the country, and despite being under Soviet influence, he managed to
travel extensively in his early years. Speaking 5 languages from
English and Turkish to Russian, Dutch and of course Azeri, Aziziov
sees the world through the prism of polyglot, asylum seeker,
politician and queer refugee and above all a human who loves
people, animals, food, music, culture and revolutionary art.
Growing up in a society where lgbtq community is often subjected
to marginalisation and stigma, Azizov’s art depicts the balance
between love for the beauty of his own culture and the struggle
coming with the painful experiences of a mentality he grew up in.
Aydin is the founder of Queer Kitchen, a monthly gathering where
queer people come together toneat and meet At tillatec event, he
will showcase some of his artwork—and serve his signature vegan
soup, made with love and care.
Parsa (he/him)
I’m a newcomer from Iran to the Netherlands and a hairdresser with about a year and a half of experience cutting hair for both men and women. I’ll be at the event offering advice, styling, or haircuts.
Yohannes Biru (he/him)
I am originally from Ethiopia and have been living in the Netherlands for the past year and a half. My art primarily
explores themes of gay love and physical intimacy. I first began drawing these subjects after being inspired by messages I received on dating apps. I’m also part of the organizing team for the LIMBO collective workshops for queer refugees a space that has been deeply meaningful to me and has given me the confidence to share my drawings with others.
M. Wael Qarablli (he/him)
I’m a Syrian artist. Most of my drawings explore themes like multiple personalities or other dimensions, and they often carry
many meanings. I don’t like to limit interpretation—I leave the drawing open and free. Everyone sees something different, shaped by their own personality and experiences.
Mohammed Aref (he/him)
Palestinian artist, Mohammed says, there’s the maker, the tool and what is made, I can chose one of them to be, this is how art becomes to life in my world. As human is blind of itself, there’s the light that lightens its vision, in the vision I see the light unfolding in darkness.
Karl Emerick Anushka (he/him)
A portrait photographer born in the United States who has spent most of his life outside the country. His work explores
themes of identity, visibility, and belonging, shaped by years of moving between cultures and always feeling like an outsider. He creates studio portraits—of others and of himself—that explore queer identity, transformation, and presence. Using dramatic lighting, bold color, and theatrical elements, his work blends intimacy with performance. Rooted in a commitment to queer visibility, his images create space for people who are often unseen and convey pride and power without losing vulnerability.
Saeed Zamzam(he/him
A multidisciplinary designer, scenographer, and visual artist based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He seamlessly integrates various artistic disciplines, creating immersive spatial experiences, compelling narratives, and transformative visual
storytelling. With over a decade of experience, Saeed has worked across theatre, film, fine arts, branding, and art therapy research, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and human emotion. His innovative One-Line Concept represents the unbroken journey of life, reflecting interconnected experiences through a continuous stroke of artistic expression.
Yazan Atassi
Yaz is a queer Syrian artist whose artistic expression was initially challenged by societal gender norms and later by civil war. Arriving in the Netherlands marked a pivotal moment, as he passionately re-engaged with art after 20 years away, determined to reclaim his story. His current practice is a compelling fusion of joyful childhood memories and the powerful resonance of untold traumas.
DJ Melqart
From Lebanon, starting the night dancing to an electrifying DJ set of new-wave Oriental beats by DJ Melqart, bringing rhythm, joy, and movement to our collective celebration.
DJ PISCES (she/her)
PISCES – born and raised in Amsterdam, brings an irresistible energy to the DJ booth that gets everyone moving. With a
mix of ghetto beats, breaks, bouncey rhythms, trance vibes, and sexy vocals, PISCES creates an atmosphere that is .both intense and seductively danceable. Her sets are an ode to underground club culture, where identity, authenticity, and emotional release take center stage. Expect fiery rhythms, unexpected twists, and vocals that captivate.
17:00-19:00 | Panel Talk: Voices of Queer Refugees
• Alaaddin Ammar (they/them)
• Angel Spiders (they/them)
• Bahnam (he/him)
• Mini Maxwell (they/them) • Nila Fouladi (they/them) • Sabina (they/them) •