Deconstructing power in queer spaces [EN]

Panelgesprek i.s.m. Labo vzw

Join us for a crucial conversation that unpacks the complex power dynamics at play within queer spaces. While we celebrate queer spaces as a core of resistance and community, it’s essential to acknowledge that they are influenced by patriarchy and systemic discrimination.

In this panel we will discuss what is white dominance, even within’ safe’ queer environments. We will explore the universal barriers faced by non-white queer individuals and confront the phenomenon of white fragility . Crucially, this isn't just about identifying problems. Our panelists will guide us toward deep unfolding and understanding, actionable solutions, discussing strategies for confronting institutional and systemic white fragility. We'll explore concrete ways to deconstruct superior mindsets and transform queer spaces into truly inclusive and shared environments for all.

Having diverse voices from different places and experiences; from queer repression in Lebanon to the realities within Belgian queer spaces, this intersectional panel will provide a critical analysis of how patriarchal systems of oppression are reproduced within queer communities.

Come, listen, un-learn, un-fold and be part of building togetherness.

Patrick Tass

Patrick Tass is a Belgian director of Palestinian origin, born in Beirut in 1992. He holds degrees in directing from ALBA (Lebanon) and scriptwriting from ULB (Belgium). Currently based in Brussels, Patrick immerses himself in the cinematic arts, teaching film courses, offering script consultancy, and programming for various film festivals, alongside conducting socio cultural workshops. His diverse experience includes editing, casting, and content development. After directing two short films, his feature debut, Mea Culpa, earned a nomination for Best Documentary at the Magritte Awards 2025. Patrick is now in the development stage of a new fiction film. In his works, Patrick focuses on themes such as identities and sexualities.

Radhika Gopal

Radhika Gopal is a social work student and community organizer with Habibi Network, a collective centering queer people of colour. Born and raised in Belgium to Indian parents, Radhika explores how queerness and a racialized identity intersect in everyday life. Her organizing focuses on creating spaces where queer people of colour can exist fully and safely, especially in a society shaped by whiteness, including mainstream queer spaces.

Tom Desterke

Tom Desterke is a young lawyer with expertise in human rights and migration law. He moved to the nonprofit sector last year and worked at Amal vzw as an intersectionality officer. As a queer person in Ghent, he tries to contribute to building inclusive and intersectional queer communities and spaces. He fights in particular against racism, discrimination and homonormativity in queer spaces.

Taziri El Omrani

Taziri El Omrani is a Libyan journalist, human rights activist based in Belgium. As a moderator Taziri is committed to deconstructing power dynamics and calling for caring togetherness. Taziri brings her experience with Labo vzw in platforming radical voices and as a co-founder of Habibi Network to creating spaces for critical opinions to blossom. Her lived experience as a queer individual from an Amazigh indigenous culture and as a refugee who sought asylum in 2019, positions her uniquely to guide this conversation on queerness, spaces, and the path to true inclusion.