XSAGA
The topic of diversity, inclusion, and equality is a hot topic today, both in the public sphere and within organizations. It extends beyond gender and sexuality to include culture as well. How can this pressing issue be made visible and open for discussion on a broader scale?
By embracing and celebrating love and identity in all its colorful facets, the result was the creation, publication, and festive launch of the book Mateloos Verlangen (Endless Longing), featuring more than 100 unique poems on diversity. These pieces were specially written for this collection by a mix of established and upcoming, renowned and lesser-known writers who share a personal connection to the topic. Together, they celebrate love, embrace each other, and seek recognition, freedom, and connection in our contemporary society.
With the publication of this meaningful collection (Podium Publishing, 2023), we celebrate the vibrant diversity of love. Words matter, and imagination unites. Through over 100 colorful poems, the collection presents as many heartfelt attempts to capture concepts such as the personal search for love, diversity, and inclusion in letters, words, and sentences.
Contributors include Dolly Bellefleur, Abdelkader Benali, Gershwin Bonevacia, Babeth Fonchie Fotchind, Johan Fretz, Jurre Geluk, Eva Gerlach, Valentijn Hoogenkamp, Falun Ellie Koos, Anne Vegter, and Rik van de Westelaken. Mateloos Verlangen is available at leading bookstores and online at platforms such as bol.com. The stunning artwork for this special edition was created by Eveline Schram.
On June 5, at the start of Pride Month, the official launch of this remarkable collection took place at the OBA Theater in Amsterdam. Over 150 guests, including writers, poets, press members, and other interested individuals, attended the event, where the diverse and wide-ranging contributions were performed live by various authors. The project’s ambassador and host for the afternoon was Splinter Chabot, who also wrote the foreword for the collection: "For those still searching. For those who have found love but are looking for a companion. In short, for everyone who wants to celebrate love and long endlessly."
