The Wijdekerk Foundation is an initiative of a group of Christians, themselves LGBT+ people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans person) or closely involved with LGBT+ people. They believe that everyone should be able to be themselves in his or her church. They want to do everything from the love of Jesus Christ and together they are Wijdekerk.

The third edition of Wijdekerkdag was held in Amersfoort on 5 October '19. It was a day that was all about meeting, sharing, celebrating, deepening, experiencing, singing, dancing and enjoying.

At the invitation of Miranda Terpstra of the Church founder of Wijdekerk, I was present on behalf of COC Haaglanden and I was able to provide an interactive workshop 'Faith & Talent'.

During the workshop there was room to listen to each other's fears, setbacks, highlights and dreams. In addition to being a safe space, it was also a brave space.

I have witnessed a transformation in some participants, partly due to the stimulating, healing and binding powers of sharing stories. Especially the personal stories of parents have left a deep impression!

As a Caribbean Dutch person I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to give workshops to Christian LGBT people and family members. That this was an exceptional situation became painfully clear to me again – the moment Judith Brekelmans[1] announced on social media – that a similar meeting is unfortunately unthinkable in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom[2]. There are still distressing situations on the Caribbean islands where religion, traditions and legislation stand in the way of the acceptance of LGBT+ persons. As a result, many LGBT+ people are very confused with themselves.

That is why I, together with my colleagues from COC Haaglanden, strive for emancipation, social acceptance and equal rights for LGBT+ people.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

African Proverb

Love Raisa Sambo
Networker and social worker at COC Haaglanden

[1] Judith is the founder and president of Fundashon EQ, the interest group of the LGBTQI community on Bonaire.

[2] The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of 4 countries: the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten. And 3 public bodies: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.