Amsterdam trials a “nightlife safe space” for its LGBTQ+ community

Amsterdam is the location of a new scheme trialling a safe space location for members of its LGBTQ+ community. 

The project, named Dress & Dance, uses a transformed hair salon as a safe area for people to get ready for a night out.

Who Cares was launched on January 14th, from 21:30 until the early hours, including make-up and styling advice from experts and free taxi rides – ensuring members “don’t have to walk down the street in your party outfit.”

The project is a creation by students of InHolland University, coordinated by Maud Gussenhoven, manager of central Reguliersdwarsstraat street.

Speaking about Dress & Dance, Gussenhoven told Reuters: “It’s sad that this is necessary, but there have been instances that have made people feel unsafe.”

Reuters also spoke with LGBTQ+ Dress & Dance member Eli Verboket who said that people “follow” them, explaining: “Some people who look at me can’t contain their thoughts.”

You can find out more about the Dress & Dance concept here.