2016: QueerTalk #3: Laurens Buijs, Jennifer Hopelezz, Robin Vogel, “Exploring the Limits of Sex at Club Church”

Central Library (OBA)
Oosterdokskade 143
1011 DL
Amsterdam

Sponsored by:
Stichting George Mosse Fonds
IHLIA LGBTI Heritage
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Global Mosse Lecture Series

Lecture Summary: Since 2008, Amsterdam is the proud home of a very special nightclub: Club Church. The club has grown into a landmark of the capital’s gay scene, with popular parties that each serve a specific gay subculture or fetish. With its unusual combination of hardcore fetishism and low-key friendly atmosphere, it attracts a diverse audience. Bears, twinks, drags, femmes and sportswear lovers visit Church to show off their sexual identities and explore their sexual boundaries. What does the thriving success of this club say about sexual freedom, in Amsterdam and in general? What are the benefits and risks of indulging oneself in a world seemingly without boundaries and taboos? In this QueerTalk, hosted by Laurens Buijs, we will disentangle the ‘Church Phenomenon’ with Jennifer Hopelezz, founder and owner of Club Church, and documentary maker Robin Vogel, who recently released a film that explores how the club impacted his sexual identity. Clips of his documentary will be shown during the QueerTalks.

Lecture Series Summary: The annual Mosse lecture is an initiative of the George L. Mosse Fonds to promote the study of gay/lesbian history at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). It is organized in collaboration with IHLIA LGBTI Heritage. Mosse Lectures have been given by Hafid Bouazza, Marjan Sax, Ruud Douma aka Dolly Bellefleur, Bas Heijne, Maaike Meijer, Gerardjan Rijnders, Gerrit Komrij, Gloria Wekker, Stephan Sanders, M. Februari, Ted van Lieshout, Jet Bussemaker, Mohammed Benzakour, Hedy d’Ancona, Simon(e) van Saarloos, Gert Hekma, Karin Spaink, Joke Swiebel, and David Weissman.

Laurens Buijs (1982) is a Dutch social scientist, known for his work on gender, sexuality, and diversity. He lectured at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) from 2006 to 2023, where his research focused on critical studies of power, identity, and social justice. Buijs is recognized for his outspoken views on LGBTQ+ rights and social equity, often participating in public debates about inclusion and the role of academia in addressing societal inequalities. His work blends academic rigor with a strong commitment to activism and progressive change, producing numerous essays, research reports, opinion pieces, articles, and written lectures.

Buijs’s critical stance on certain progressive policies, particularly regarding the intersection of identity politics and academic freedom, has sparked significant public discussions. He has been a vocal critic of what he views as the overreach of ideological conformity in universities, arguing for a more balanced approach to addressing social issues. His contributions continue to influence conversations on diversity and equality in both academic and activist circles.

About QueerTalks:
The Mosse Fund of the University of Amsterdam organizes a new series of events: the QueerTalks. Powered by LGBT archive IHLIA, we receive inspiring guests from the LGBTQ community twice per academic semester. We invite them to share their personal or professional stories, often relating to current events and urgent societal debates, in an intimate and informal setting. The QueerTalks are hosted by IHLIA at the Central Library (OBA), near Central Station. The event starts at 18:00 and will last 90 minutes maximum. Entrance is free and open for all.