Queer Books

#This meetup is around a third-party organizer (Lux Nijmegen): you need to purchase your ticket online before # Curious about the best short films of the moment? Go Short is back at LUX Nijmegen! **The Global South Futurisms block will be screened on Friday.** Long dominated by Eurocentric cinematic traditions, science fiction has often served as a fantasy of conquest for the white man. Yet, in the hands of filmmakers from the Global Majority, the genre shifts register. Drawing on currents such as Arabfuturism, the films in this programme use speculative fiction as a way of thinking through generational and environmental wounds in ways realism cannot hold. In effect, the “fiction” of science-fiction becomes a powerful means of comprehension, where fabulation helps offer new political imaginaries. Other Skies invites audiences to witness speculative fiction in new hands—restless, incisive, and unmistakably its own. **Information:** I will be at the LUX entrance from 21:00. Following the screening, there is the option to join the Go Short free after-party at Cafe de Plak! **Link:** https://www.goshort.nl/en/festival-program/block?programId=2821&viewingId=5092 **Ticket Info:** Tickets must be purchased online in advance. **Tickets:** https://ticket.goshort.nl/nl-NL/Show/Details/GS-Other-Skies-Global-South-Futurisms-10-apr-837434 **More info**: [https://www.goshort.nl/en/go-short-festival-2026](https://www.goshort.nl/en/go-short-festival-2026) Hope to see you soon!

Ben jij gefascineerd door de wereld van hacking en cybersecurity? Goed nieuws! Wat ooit een exclusieve serie workshops was voor studenten van NOVI, is nu toegankelijk voor iedereen met een passie voor hacking. 🚀 **Hack Friday** is jouw wekelijkse dosis cybersecurity praktijk. Elke vrijdagochtend duiken we samen in de diepe, duistere wereld van een nieuwe machine of challenge, onder de deskundige begeleiding van een van de cybersecurity experts van NOVI. Het is de perfecte manier om je skills te testen, te verbeteren en iets nieuws te leren in een vriendelijke en ondersteunende omgeving. 🛠️💻 ### Wat heb je nodig? * **Een werkende Kali Linux installatie**: Zorg dat je klaar bent om de uitdaging aan te gaan met je eigen Kali Linux setup. * **Een nieuwsgierige geest**: Heb je zin om te leren en uitgedaagd te worden? Dan pas je perfect in onze Hack Friday! ### Waarom meedoen? * **Leer van de besten**: Onze cybersecurity experts staan klaar om hun kennis te delen en je door de challenges te begeleiden. * **Wekelijkse uitdagingen**: Elke week bieden we een nieuwe machine of challenge aan, zodat je je vaardigheden kunt blijven ontwikkelen. * **Ontmoet gelijkgestemden**: Sluit je aan bij een community van enthousiaste hackers en cybersecurity professionals. ### Details: * **Wanneer**: Elke vrijdagochtend * **Waar**: op locatie in Utrecht * **Voor wie**: Iedereen met een interesse in hacking en cybersecurity, van beginners tot gevorderden. Ben je klaar om je hacking skills naar een hoger niveau te tillen en deel uit te maken van onze groeiende community? Sluit je dan aan bij Hack Friday en daag jezelf elke week uit met nieuwe en spannende cybersecurity avonturen! 🌟🔒 Registreer nu en laat zien wat je in huis hebt! Wij kunnen niet wachten om je te ontmoeten.

Join us for a fun session of improv theatre in English! A great opportunity to meet new people in Utrecht and learn something new with [Improv Utrecht](https://improvutrecht.nl). Everyone can partcipate, you don't need any experience in theatre nor fluency in English. In this session you will: * Meet fellow international and local players. * Learn the basics of improvisation, a 21st-century skill that is useful in many aspects of life. * Get out of your head. * Enjoy failing. * Play funny and moving theatre games. * Laugh a lot, while surprising yourself and others. Doors open: 19:50-20:00, come in with the others ([SIDE entrance, at the Troelstralaan](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ntLDUqbkDxMHjp7B7)). After 20:01 the door may be closed, but you may find a participant who knows the door code. Workshop: 20:00-22:00 Every Friday except in school holidays Afterwards we have drinks at [O'Leary's](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gL878K1MZf8v5fpm7) pub together ### How to sign up Full details about how to sign up and any other questions you may have can be [found on our website](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops/). An RSVP in this Meetup event is not enough! We track attendance by counting the attendants in GrasshopperSignup. If you flag yourself as attending and can no longer make it, please delete your x in the sheet so that someone else can take your spot. If you leave your contact details at the Signup form we will contact you if there is a problem with a drop-in you are scheduled to attend. We also have a WhatsApp group with a variety of members from across Utrecht where we share events and updates. You can find our courses and shows on [our website](https://www.improvutrecht.nl). Participation is pay-what-you-can, but we suggest a donation of €10-20 by cash or Tikkie to help cover costs (location, travel) and show your appreciation for our professional trainers who dedicate their Friday to promoting improv.

*Since the guided meditations for this event are in Dutch, this description is too.* Wil je je drukke week afsluiten en ontspannen aan het weekend beginnen? Dan ben je geheel vrijblijvend welkom bij de vrijdagavond meditatie van [Jewel Heart](https://www.jewelheart.nl/). Deze meditatieavond heeft een licht en open karakter. De meditaties bestaan uit drie delen. We beginnen met het gewaarworden van je lichamelijke sensaties. In een korter deel twee doen we een loopmeditatie en in deel drie is er een eenvoudige, geleide visualisatie meditatie. Het geheel wordt afgesloten met een gesprek onder het genot van een kop thee, voor wie daar zin in heeft. 📍[Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan is de ingang aan je rechterzijde 🕒Zaal open vanaf 19.30 uur, meditatie van 20.00 tot 21.00 Je bent van harte welkom! Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Er zijn geen verplichtingen. Op vrijwillige basis kun je op de avond zelf een donatie doen. Kijk ook naar onze -[Open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) -[Cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

**You're Invited: Bite by Bite Project second workshop!** **Join our 2nd Bite by Bite Workshop!** **A big thank you to everyone who joined our first session—your energy made it truly special!** **✨ Now, let’s keep going…** **🌱 “It is not a waste”** **🗓️ April 10 | 🕕 18:00** **📍 Rosa Buurcentrum, Utrecht** **Together, we’ll explore creative ways to reduce food waste and build more sustainable, healthy food habits—with hands-on inspiration from a cooking instructor on how to use leftovers.** **🌍 Part of the Bite by Bite Project, a 3-workshop series to co-create ideas for a more sustainable food future in Utrecht. These first two workshops are just the beginning—the perfect lead-up to our final session on May 4, where we’ll co-create with communication and visual experts to design impactful ways to engage our community around sustainable diets.** **👥 Open to Utrecht residents & campus communities (UCU & Science Park)** **👉 Register: https://forms.gle/xX2tAmy4S8KjMToN7** **Let’s create change—bite by bite.** **What to Expect:** **Event Details:** *Date & Time: FRIDAY, 10 April, 2026, 17:00 – 22:00 - Location: Rosa Buurtcentrum, Malakkastraat 6, 3531 HM Utrecht *Audience: Utrecht residents, Utrecht Science Park, and International Campus (UCU) communities. - Cost: Free! Just bring your recipe and enthusiasm. **Ready to make an impact?** **[Please make sure to fill in the registration form to secure your spot!](https://forms.gle/xX2tAmy4S8KjMToN7)** The Bite by Bite project will host three workshops, as a partnership between Utrecht University Medical Centre, Utrecht University College, The Pit, and Being Well Catalysts (Our Cooking Club), funded by the Planetary Health Seed Grants.

Kom gezellig een middagje samen Warhammer of D&D miniaturen schilderen! We gaan schilderen in de winkel Animerch in Almere, vlakbij het Centraal Station Almere-Stad. Wij (de lokale Warhammer club Warmere) zorgen voor alle benodigde materialen zodat je je creativiteit de vrije loop kunt laten. Of je nu een ervaren schilder bent of een beginner, deze middag is de perfecte gelegenheid om nieuwe technieken te leren, tips uit te wisselen en in contact te komen met de lokale hobby- en gaming communities: Warmere als je Warhammer 40k en Age of Sigmar speelt, of GameMere voor D&D en bordspellen! Neem je eigen miniaturen mee of gebruik mijn verf en materialen. Als je een miniatuurtje nodig hebt, kun je er die dag een kopen, of gratis eentje kiezen uit de gedoneerde miniatuurtjes. Met dank aan clubgenoten van Warmere en de webshop Restorehammer! www.restorehammer.com Let op: Leeftijd: 12+ Deze meetup vindt plaats in een winkel tijdens openingstijden. Houd rekening met andere bezoekers en materialen. Snacks en drinken zijn in de winkel te koop. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an afternoon of painting Warhammer and D&D miniatures alongside fellow enthusiasts! Hosted at the shop Animerch in Almere, close to Central Station Almere-Stad. We (the local Warhammer club Warmere) will provide all necessary materials for you to unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with the local hobby and gaming communities: Warmere if you like Warhammer 40k and Age of Sigmar, or GameMere if you like D&D and boardgames! Bring your own miniatures, or use my paint and materials. If you need a miniature you can buy one that day, or choose one from the donated miniatures for free. Thanks to clubmembers of Warmere and the webshop Restorehammer! www.restorehammer.com Take notice: Age: 12+ This meetup takes place in a shop during business hours. Mind the other patrons and materials. Snacks and drinks can be purchased in the establishment.

The Imperial Threads are back to our KZ HOUSE BAND JAZZ NIGHT! KZ is not your regular small jazz cafe, KZ is an experience! This stunning Art-Deco ballroom with a terrace on het Ij has build a name, a name that stands for the best swing jazz in town and we all know it! In a beautiful art-deco venue, you will get served the best Cocktails or Mocktails, get inspired by our JAZZ music and a huge dancefloor is waiting for you, so that the music can make your body move. When: 10 April, 20.30 – 23.30h (we serve dinner soup from 18.00h) Where: KNSM-Laan 311 (De Kompaszaal) Cost: All events are donations based (suggested live music donation EUR 19,50 inc. one non-alc. drink pp) Tickets: [Live Music at KZ - Jazz Events Amsterdam](https://jazzeventsamsterdam.com/live-music-tickets/) For any questions call, WhatsApp +31 6 53577930 or email jazzeventsamsterdam@gmail.com

'KAFKA ON THE SHORE' by Haruki Murakami 'The aging Nakata, tracker of lost cats, who never recovered from a bizarre childhood affliction, finds his pleasantly simplified life suddenly turned upside down. There is a savage killing, but the identity of both victim and killer is a riddle. Kafka on the Shore follows the fortunes of two remarkable characters. Kafka Tamura runs away from home at fifteen, under the shadow of his father's dark prophesy. The aging Nakata, tracker of lost cats, who never recovered from a bizarre childhood affliction, finds his pleasantly simplified life suddenly turned upside down. Their parallel odysseys are enriched throughout by vivid accomplices and mesmerising dramas. Cats converse with people; fish tumble from the sky; a ghostlike pimp deploys a Hegel-spouting girl of the night; a forest harbours soldiers apparently un-aged since WWII. There is a savage killing, but the identity of both victim and killer is a riddle. Murakami's new novel is at once a classic tale of quest, but it is also a bold exploration of mythic and contemporary taboos, of patricide, of mother-love, of sister-love. Above all it is an entertainment of a very high order.' ***Please read the book and join us for a lively discussion (in English) about the contents during our afternoon book club meeting.*** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **PLEASE NOTE:** This is an IN-PERSON event in Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Please cancel your attendance in advance if you are unable to join, so that those on the waitlist can participate. Looking forward to seeing you all IN REAL LIFE then! Best regards, Sandra

*"Born with alexithymia, Yunjae has always struggled to understand emotion, but after tragedy turns his life upside down, friendship begins to pull him toward a world he has never fully known."* 🕒 **HOW IT WORKS** This is a relaxed, social meetup where readers come together to chat about our current book — *no spoilers are off-limits!* There are no formal rules — just good company, friendly conversation, and plenty of bookish tangents. 💬 **STAY CONNECTED** Join our WhatsApp Community to discover upcoming reads, take part in polls, and join our bookish chats. 👉🏽 [Join here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LWEUqDWrMZSLCj1ThrAyVU) 📖 You can grab a copy at [The American Book Center](https://abc.nl/book-details/almond/$9780062961389) ✨ **RSVP Reminder** Spots are limited — if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP so someone else can join. (Repeat no-shows may be waitlisted)

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Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

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.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * 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! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.