Background:

Queer Work was founded by Sajad Salmanpour driven by lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ refugees starting over in a new society.
Arriving in the Netherlands as a queer refugee can be incredibly difficult. Many face isolation, discrimination, language barriers, and a lack of access to safe networks. Finding a job or continuing education can feel nearly impossible without the right support, guidance, and connections.That’s where Queer Work steps in.
We launched our pilot project in October 2023, focusing on LGBTQIA+ refugees in Amsterdam and Utrecht. Within just two months, we began working closely with 15 participants from diverse backgrounds, each with their own goals and needs.
Since then, we’ve grown by early 2025, Queer Work has supported over 70 participants, and more than 85% of them have successfully found a job or started an educational path that helps them toward employment.
This success is made possible by a dedicated team of coaches and organizers, and by the support of our community partners, including Trans United, Instituut Gak, Oranje Fonds, and the Municipality of Amsterdam.

We believe that employment is empowerment
and that every Queer Refugee
deserves a chance to thrive not just survive.