Sven Bijma and Diego Meijers founded Amsterdam's SPIELRAUM, a queer party, in 2017. At the time, Amsterdam didn't have many queer parties or collectives—SPIELRAUM was the antidote. “We felt there was a real need for a dedicated space where queer people could come together and simply exist as themselves,” Bijma says. “It wasn't just about creating another party, but rather about creating a sense of belonging.”
Over the years SPIELRAUM has evolved into Club Raum, and as it’s grown, so has Amsterdam’s nightlife culture. “Now, there are countless collectives, communities and promoters creating their own worlds,” Bijma says, “and audiences often identify with those communities just as much as they do with individual venues.”
This year, Club Raum is partnering with Sniffies for World Pride in Amsterdam, a collaboration that Bijma and Meijers say felt like a natural fit. “This year's Pride campaign revolves around the theme of Desire,” the pair say. “And in many ways that's also at the heart of what Sniffies represents: desire, lust and connection.”
But this collaboration is about more than chasing a quick fuck. “It's about the desire to connect with someone across a dancefloor, the desire to feel accepted, to feel seen, to belong and to express yourself without fear.” Meijers says. “Those are universal experiences, but they're especially meaningful within queer communities, where simply existing authentically has often been a political act.”
As you prepare to chase your desire at Amsterdam’s World Pride—whatever that might look like—we asked Amsterdam nightlife veterans Bijma and Meijers to share five things you should know before you go out in Amsterdam.
Always ask for consent—never assume.
If you see someone you'd like to dance with or get closer to, ask. A simple conversation or gesture goes a long way. Consent doesn't make interactions less exciting, it creates trust, allowing everyone to feel comfortable enough to genuinely enjoy themselves.
Take care of yourself—and each other.
Know your own limits and listen to your body. Stay hydrated, take breaks if you need them and don't be afraid to ask for help. At the same time, look out for the people around you. If someone seems overwhelmed or unwell, checking in can make a huge difference. Clubs work best when everyone contributes to taking care of the space and each other.
Come with an open mind and an open heart.
Nightlife is one of the few places where people from completely different backgrounds can come together through music. Be curious. You might hear sounds you've never listened to before or meet people outside your usual circles. The more open you are to those experiences, the richer the night becomes.
Don't worry about performing—just be yourself.
Amsterdam's club culture generally values authenticity over appearances. People aren't expecting you to fit into a particular look or scene. The best thing you can bring into a club is simply yourself, along with respect for everyone else sharing the space.
Remember that you're helping create the atmosphere.
A great club isn't something that's provided for you, it's something everyone builds together. Every smile, conversation, dance and act of kindness shapes the experience. The audience is just as important as the DJs, and the energy you bring into the room contributes to what makes the night memorable.
Check out Club Raum’s lineup of World Pride events
All photos by Sven Bijma