Queer Books

**🃏 WHAT WE PLAY** We focus on **social interaction games** that are **fun, easy to learn, and engaging**. * **Thursdays** and Saturday nights are for **fun, social games** like Dixit, Coup, Skull, Codenames, Colt Express, Secret Hitler, Exploding Kittens, Bang and more!… Easy to learn, quick to laugh! * **Mondays** are for **deeper strategic games**, for players who love to plan and outthink opponents. Of course, these are just guidelines — you’re always welcome to bring and play whatever game you love! *** **🕖 SCHEDULE** * We meet at **7:00 PM**, with an **intro round at 7:15 PM**. * Arriving later? No problem! Just see a host — we’ll do our best to find you a seat. You might need to wait for a game to finish before joining the next one. **🎉 Good News! BFG is Free Again** As of July 1st, 2025, BFG is once again **free to join**, just like last year! The costs of running the group are now shared by the hosts. If you enjoy the events and want to say thanks, you're very welcome to **offer a drink (or two 😉) to a host** during the evening. A huge thank you to everyone who supported us financially earlier this year — you helped keep the group going, and we truly appreciate it. 🙏 *** **🎒 WHAT TO BRING** * Bring your favorite games and feel free to mention them in the comments. * If we’re meeting in a **park**, bring snacks, drinks, and something comfy to sit on — the grass can be damp even in summer! *** **☕ IF THE VENUE IS A CAFÉ** Please order **at least one drink** to support the venue, and pay directly at the bar. *** **✅ REGISTRATION** Please RSVP to help us plan for space and group sizes. **⌛ WAITLIST ETIQUETTE** * If you can’t make it, cancel **before 7 PM the day before** to give someone else a chance. * If you're **on the waitlist** and your plans change, cancel your RSVP so others aren't left hanging. *** **🤝 WANT TO HOST?** Interested in becoming a host or helping out? Let us know — we’d love to have you on board! *** **💬 FEEDBACK WELCOME** Suggestions or ideas? Drop us a message anytime — we’re always looking to make BFG even better. *** ### **🌟 Let’s have fun, discover great** **games, and build and make new friends** *** ###

Op donderdag 21 mei organiseren we onze tweede Fronteers Belgium meetup! Deze editie wordt gehost door **Axxes**. 🎉 **Avond programma** 🎉 * ​18h00 - 🚪 Deuren open & netwerken + eten * ​19h00 - 🙋‍♀️ Introductie door Fronteers BE & Axxes * 19h20 - **Talk 1: Usability heuristics: van theorie naar toepassen in user interfaces én bordspellen - Maud Van Miert** * 20h00 - 🍷 ----- Break ----- 🥤 * 20h20 - **Talk 2: We hebben meta-frameworks! Een AI Pokédex bouwen in je favoriete frontend stack - Sybren Willemot** * 21h00 - 🥤 Drinks and networking till the end of the event 👩‍🏫 **INFO OVER DE** **TALKS & SPREKERS** 👨‍🏫 **Talk 1: Usability heuristics: van theorie naar toepassen in user interfaces én bordspellen** **door Maud Van Miert** Wil jij je UX-vaardigheden aanscherpen en leren hoe je heuristische principes (vuistregels) praktisch toepast om betere gebruikerservaringen te ontwerpen en evalueren? Tijdens deze talk duiken we in de 10 usability heuristics van Nielsen. Een verzameling tijdloze ontwerpprincipes voor gebruiksvriendelijkheid. We ontdekken hoe dezelfde principes verrassend goed toepasbaar zijn op board games 🎲. Of je nu werkt als developer, tester, analist of in een ondersteunende rol: je krijgt concrete handvaten om deze heuristieken in je dagelijkse werk te gebruiken om problemen sneller te identificeren en oplossingen sterker te maken. **Over Maud** Maud werkt als frontend developer bij Axxes en bouwt applicaties voor Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Die worden gebruikt door een brede groep mensen, van havenmedewerkers tot interne teams. Naast haar ontwikkelwerk maakt ze deel uit van het frontend core team. Daar helpt ze de brug te slaan tussen development en design, onder andere via een gedeelde component library. Met veel aandacht voor usability en UX zorgt Maud ervoor dat applicaties er niet alleen goed uitzien, maar ook logisch en consistent werken. Zo draagt ze bij aan kwalitatieve digitale oplossingen die kunnen meegroeien met de ambities van de haven. **Talk 2: We hebben meta-frameworks! Een AI Pokédex bouwen in je favoriete frontend stack door Sybren Willemot** In deze talk laten we zien dat je bestaande frontend stack alles bevat wat je nodig hebt om de volledige AI-pijplijn te beheersen. Laten we samen verkennen hoe we met onze vertrouwde frontend-kennis een AI-gedreven Pokédex kunnen bouwen, één die fysieke kaarten via een webcam vastlegt, deze veilig verwerkt met Vision LLM’s, en vervolgens dynamisch een 3D Pokémon rendert in WebGL. We duiken in de code om te zien hoe meta-frameworks het eenvoudig maken om veilige serverroutes, AI SDK-integratie en datacaching te beheren, zonder dat je een Python-backend hoeft op te zetten of complexe microservices moet onderhouden. **Over Sybren** Sybren is een front-end en full-stack developer die momenteel werkt bij aiGust in België. Voorheen was hij een toegewijd lid van het Chakra UI-team (met focus op Vue en Ark UI), maar hij is gestopt met actief onderhoud van de core om zich op andere prioriteiten te richten. Toch blijft hij sterk betrokken bij het ecosysteem. Sybren organiseert nog steeds BEL Vue-meetups en spreekt graag op events. Tegenwoordig geeft hij prioriteit aan tijd doorbrengen met zijn familie, nieuwe plekken ontdekken en genieten van het leven offline. **Onze host** [Axxes](https://www.axxes.com) is een full-service IT consultancy organisatie. We leveren flexibele en kwalitatieve technische oplossingen op vlak van Software Development, Quality Assurance, Infrastructure, DevOps, Cloud Solutions, Architecture, Project Management, ... Meer dan 400 ervaren IT consultants maken elke dag het verschil bij onze klanten. Wij zorgen voor de juiste expertise om jouw project te realiseren. We willen dé expertise partner zijn in het bedenken en bouwen van de digitale oplossingen van morgen. Door kansen te bieden om te groeien en verder te ontwikkelen en door kansen te bieden aan onze medewerkers en klanten. **Locatie** Axxes - Antwerp office [Entrepotkaai 10a, 2000 Antwerp](https://www.axxes.com/contact) \*\*\* Fronteers BE is de Belgische tak van Fronteers, de Nederlandstalige community voor front-end professionals. Ons doel is om een inclusieve en gastvrije omgeving te creëren. Heb je ongepast gedrag of opmerkingen meegemaakt of waargenomen tijdens een van onze events, neem dan gerust contact op met iemand van ons team van hosts/organisatoren.

Our traditional "Join & Play" event is on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. As always, it's free to come & play with us. How does it work ? • The events are open for beginner to advanced gamers. If you're new here they're the perfect gateway to discover what we do! • Those who want to host a game are asked to share in the comments below which game, & for how many players you can run your table. • For others, if you see a game you'd like to join just respond to the host in the comments below and we'll reserve a spot for that game for you. • Don't worry if you're new to boardgames or simply don't know the games being hosted this time around; you can simply show up and the event host will sort out a spot at a table for you! *But please make sure to arrive by 19h30* at the latest *so we can take the time to find you a suitable spot.* • The rules for the games will be explained by the table host before the game starts. No need to study them upfront, although several hosts post a video link to rules or background which can enhance your enjoyment of the game if you have the time to watch beforehand. This is never mandatory, however. ============================================== Games on the night: **\-\-\-\-** **[RAJAS OF THE GANGES](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/220877/rajas-of-the-ganges) \-\-\-\-** Spot 1: Geraldine (host) Spot 2: k1o4n1d Spot 3: Spot 4: **\-\-\-\-** **[NATIONAL ECONOMY](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/449831/national-economy) \-\-\-\-** Spot 1: Mislav (host) Spot 2: Frodo Spot 3: Hellen Spot 4: **\-\-\-\-** **[PARKS (2ND EDITION)](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/437306/parks-second-edition) \-\-\-\-** Spot 1: Tristan (host) Spot 2: Spot 3: Spot 4:

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

Liebe Freunde der deutschen Sprache, der nächste Stammtisch findet am Donnerstag, den 21. Mai statt. Alle, die gern deutsch sprechen möchten, sind herzlich willkommen, aber bitte meldet Euch nur an, wenn ihr wirklich teilnehmen wollt! (WhatsApp - Sylvia: +490157 3388 3311). Wir freuen uns auf den Austausch mit Euch!

**Afterwork vibes. Sunset views. Great people.** Join us this Thursday for a relaxed rooftop evening above the EU district — the perfect way to unwind after work, meet like-minded internationals, and enjoy Brussels from a different perspective. This is a **small, curated gathering** to keep things social, easy, and high quality. *** ## ✨ What to expect * 🌇 Beautiful **sunset views over Brussels** * 🍹 Stylish rooftop bar (cocktails, wine, softs available) * 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friendly group of people * 🎶 Chill, classy atmosphere (not a loud party) *** ## 📍 Practical info * **Location:** Sofitel Brussels Europe * **Meeting point:** Rooftop (enter Sofitel and take the lift) * **Time:** After work (see event time) * **Group size:** **Max. 15 participants** *** ## 🎟️ Reservation required (important) To ensure a smooth experience and avoid overcrowding, **a reservation is required**. * **Explorer members:** €5 to secure your spot * **Voyager & Ambassador members:** Included (free reservation) 👉 **Spots without reservation are not guaranteed** *** ## ⚠️ Good to know * Drinks are **paid individually at the bar** * Limitedty → first come, first served * This is a **social rooftop evening**, not a party *** ## 🌍 About Sunday Vacations A community of internationals in Brussels connecting through experiences, travel & good vibes. *** **Come for one drink… stay for the people ✨**

🇬🇧 EN 🇬🇧 🔥 SALSA CUBANA CLASSES ARE BACK 🔥 We are delighted to see you again for the start of the 2025/26 academic year 👉 Find all the needed information on our website : **[https://danzamania.be/](https://danzamania.be/horaires/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUjNGU3gzRWdsUFlWMGJMQgEeCHgiKV40mum5hOp5szt0Lxx3U-5DyHO_wR_ZJekcr_m7EFRdpcRthKRV9EU_aem_W6hFXCri8O6Kd9el-RIuIQ)** ✅ PROGRAMME ✅ 👉 TUESDAY 16/09 7:00-8:00 pm - Salsa Level 1A @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa 8:15-9:15 pm - Salsa Niveau 1B\* @ Salle Ste Suzanne - Tine & Sam 8:00-9:00 pm - Salsa Cubana Level 2 @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa \*The Level 1B course is the same as the Level 1A course. It will be taught by Tine & Samuel and starts at 8.15 p.m. It allows those who wish to arrive one hour later and have a group of about 10 people. 👉 WEDNESDAY 17/09 7:00-7:30 pm - Body Expression @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 7:30-8:30 pm - Salsa Level 3 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 8:30-9:30 pm - Salsa Level 4 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 👉 THURSDAY 18/09 8:00-9:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 1 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 9:00-10:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 2 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 👉 FRIDAY 19/09 8:30-9:30 pm - Rueda de Casino @ Vibrato - Team Danza Mania 9:30-12:30 am - Practica & Entertainment with DJ Joel 💃 Dale Mambo🕺

**📚 Book Club Invitation: *Let’s Talk About Love* by Carl Wilson** For our next meeting, we’ll be discussing *Let’s Talk About Love*, a sharp and surprisingly personal exploration of taste, culture, and why we like what we like. Using Céline Dion as a starting point, Carl Wilson dives into questions of snobbery, authenticity, emotion, and how our preferences are shaped by identity, class, and culture. If you’re interested in how taste connects to deeper questions about ourselves and society, this book offers plenty to reflect on and discuss. 📅 **Date:** Saturday, 23 May ⏰ **Time:** 11:30 📍 **Venue:** Carpe Diem, Avenue de Tervuren 13, 1040 Brussels Expect an open and engaging discussion in a relaxed setting, with good coffee and good company. As always, you’re welcome whether you finished the book or just want to join the conversation. Those who wish can stay for lunch afterwards. 🏡 **Book Club Home Rules** 1️⃣ You’re welcome even if you didn’t finish the book 2️⃣ We listen to understand, not to win 3️⃣ Curiosity, respect, and openness come first Looking forward to another lively exchange of ideas. 📞 Questions: 0474.60.83.70

For our third, we’ll be discussing My Friends by Fredrik Backman — a moving and heartfelt novel about friendship, art, and the ways people leave a mark on each other’s lives. About the book: In a quiet seaside town, a group of teenagers spend their days escaping difficult lives through art and their deep friendship with one another. One summer, a painting is created that will eventually become world-famous. Years later, the story behind that painting begins to surface, revealing the powerful bond between the friends who inspired it and the life-changing events that shaped them. As past and present intertwine, the novel explores how friendships form us, how stories survive over time, and how a single moment of connection can echo across generations

Spend time in the company of other writers putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Work on your current project or start something new. If you are fresh out of inspiration a member of the Wordcraft Collective will be ready with a prompt to get you going. You can use that to unlock your creative brain before moving back to your own project or run with it. Who knows where the story will take you? Arrive when you like, leave when you like, or join us for a drink in the bar downstairs afterwards. Location: Pianofabriek, Rue du Fort 35, 1060 Saint-Gilles.

**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 11:00 - Quick introductions 11:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:15. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. There are plugs in the cafe but we may not be seated right next to them, so please charge any device before coming ! **Other Important Details:** WIFI : the cafe has wifi, the password is written on the menu TRAVEL / PARKING: The cafe is in the center of the city. An uncovered bike rack is available. For more information on parking, please visit https://leuven.be/parkeren SEATING INFORMATION: Please RSVP so I know how many seats to book ! GUIDELINES: **You are required to order at least one thing to support the café.**

*A workout while practicing an art form.* This beginner ballet workshop is designed for adults who are curious about ballet and want to move, learn, and enjoy themselves in a relaxed and supportive environment. *No dance background is required.* You’ll be guided through basic ballet movements, posture, and coordination at an accessible pace. No prior dance experience is needed — just curiosity and comfortable clothes. *It is best to wear comfortable clothing - similar to what you might wear to a yoga class.* To receive full details and updates, please sign up for our newsletter: [@ballet.brussels.bahar](https://substack.com/@balletbrusselsbahar?utm_source=user-menu)

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. Feel free to come whether or not you've started or finished the book. • Small snacks will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.