Welcome to ‘Poeting Queer History’, where we celebrate the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences through the power of poetry. In a world where our voices may be marginalised, here they will find fertile ground to flourish. It’s time for us to reclaim our narratives, to speak our truths with pride and passion. Showcasing the theme of Queer history (in Amsterdam) in its broadest form. The evening will kick off with a short lecture by a queer historian, followed by four spoken word poetry performances highlighting the queer history of Amsterdam. We’ll wrap up with a lively “Queer & Answer” session featuring our performers and the historian. Hosted by Tuaca Kelly, this night invites everyone from all sexualities, backgrounds, gender and affiliations with poetry or history to enjoy a night of community.
About the speakers
Elyzabeth Gorman is a writer and storyteller based in the Netherlands. She is the founder and nerd-in-chief of Badass Tours, which leads Amsterdam tours focused on BIPOC, Jewish, LGBTQ+, and women’s history. They were researched in archives, libraries, and cultural institutions across the country. Her storytelling performances include the Jewish Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, Paradiso, MACA, Groningen’s Grand Theater, Castle Terborgh, and Mezrab House of Stories. She also wrote a popular storytelling tour of De Burcht van Berlage for the International Institute of Social History and the Jewish Cultural Quarter.
Nim is a depressed waiter/sex store attendant. He writes Poetry and Fiction and occasionally does Stand Up Comedy. He’s been described by people as smelling like poppers and regret.
Paula Urdaneta graduated in Hispanic Literature and Audiovisual Journalism. She has a profound passion for promoting Venezuelan and Hispanic literature. She was nominated in the Best Queer Performance category for the II Queer and Feminist Poetry Awards. Currently resides in the Netherlands.
Safa Mirror is a trans-disciplinary artist, researcher, and Tarologist, exploring the intersections of identity, art and mysticism. Safa utilises her lived experience as a trans nonbinary middle-eastern living in the Netherlands to decipher, translate and perform the Sufi Persian poetry of Rumi and Hafez.
Leonie de Waal is a writer, poet and student. Her works focuses on the big ideas in the small and everyday. Highlighting themes such as growing up, (queer) love and philosophy. Every month she hosts and organizes a queer poetry open mic at Café ’t Mandje for Unwantedwords. And in 2023 she debuted with her chapbook ‘Wanneer ik groot ben, wil ik gelukkig zijn’ (When I grow up, I want to be happy).
More about the host
Tuaca Kelly is an American poet, performance artist, creative producer and philosopher – most known for her unique wordplay, uncanny improvisation, unpredictable humor and ability to connect with the audience. Originally from San Francisco, and inspired by the iconic leather daddies she encountered in her youth, she represents the Generation X as a fierce femmeDaddy.
