Up Close: Queer Perspectives

Charles de Lasco (1591–1639) The oldest tangible trace of queer history in Breda begins with court painter Charles de Lasco, who was convicted of ‘sodomy’ in 1639 – at the time, a collective term for various forms of sexual activity considered unnatural, including homosexuality. This makes him the oldest known queer person in Breda’s history.

After his death sentence, all traces of Charles, his family and their life in Breda were erased. All except one: the gravestone of his daughter Lucia, who lived for just six months. This little stone is still in one of the chapels on the south side of the church. During the exhibition Eén liefde, vele gezichten – Een stad in beeld, a photograph of Johan and Miss Lagoona Storm, taken by Bianca Pilet, will be displayed beside the stone. In this way, the story of the past and today’s community stand side by side.

Programme

11.00–11.15 am: Arrivals
11.15–11.45 am: Up Close: Queer perspectives. On this special day, we will first look back and reflect on the present together with two speakers*, before looking ahead together.
11.45 am–12.00 pm: We will make our way together to Chassé Theater, accompanied by a tower concert performed by Breda’s city carillonneur, Paul Maassen.
12.00 pm: Pride Walk Breda programme begins

*the speakers will be announced at a later date.