Punt Queer launches LGBTQ+ reporting point
15 November 2025
Punt Queer is still in the process of being established, but is already launching Meldpunt Queer, a new national reporting point for LGBTQ+ discrimination, hate, and violence. Although the reporting point is still in its start-up phase, Punt Queer has chosen to begin now. Recent events highlight just how urgently a central and accessible reporting point is needed.
Work on the reporting point began more than six months ago, driven by growing concern about the increasing hostility faced by LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands. Around the parliamentary elections, social media once again revealed how quickly homophobic expressions surface in public debate. After the election victory of Rob Jetten, leader of D66 and openly LGBTQ+, a wave of homophobic reactions appeared online — not necessarily a sudden increase, but an example of how prejudice is readily linked to political events. This fits into a broader trend: in recent years, there has been a steady rise in anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, both online and offline.
Fragmentation obscures the national picture
At the same time, existing support structures are fragmented. Many initiatives operate locally and sometimes focus on only one specific form of discrimination or violence, such as street intimidation and violence. Because of this fragmentation — and because people often do not know where they can report incidents, combined with generally low reporting willingness — the true scale of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in the Netherlands remains largely invisible. Without a complete picture, effective measures remain difficult.
Meldpunt Queer aims to change this situation. Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, hate speech, intimidation, unequal treatment, or violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics can file a report here. Meldpunt Queer documents these incidents, provides information on possible next steps, and refers individuals to appropriate support services. The reporting point seeks to strengthen individual resilience while contributing to a clearer national overview of trends.
Independent national reporting point
Punt Queer was founded to connect and strengthen the existing support landscape. While many LGBTQ+ organizations do important work, the Netherlands still lacks a national reporting center that acknowledges the full diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences. The independent Meldpunt Queer fills this gap by providing a central point of contact that is not limited to one specific form of discrimination or violence, but recognizes the broad spectrum of issues LGBTQ+ people may face.
“We cannot address what we cannot see,” says board member Reggy de Groot. “Fragmentation and low reporting rates mean that many experiences go unnoticed. With Meldpunt Queer, we want to make these stories visible and ensure that people always have somewhere to turn.”
Board member Bart Cochet adds: “Meldpunt Queer is not just a reporting center; it is also a connector. We guide people quickly to the right support, strengthen the existing network, and build a more complete national picture.”
With Meldpunt Queer, Punt Queer takes an important first step toward greater safety, visibility, and support for LGBTQ+ people in the Netherlands.