People from the LGBTIQA+ community still face discrimination, intimidation, and unsafe situations. Unfortunately, this also happens in schools. In solidarity with this community, every year in the Netherlands, Purple Friday is celebrated on the second Friday of December. Hogeschool Utrecht is also participating to show support to students and employees from this community.

On Purple Friday, allies and everyone who has an affinity with the LGBTIQA+ community wears purple. This year, Hogeschool Utrecht was once again colored purple. Purple shirts, purple nail polish, purple socks! Did you forget it? No problem. You could go to HL15 and PL101 to transform yourself into purple with the materials made available.

On the occasion of the day, the GSA organized a panel discussion on the theme; “where do you feel safe?”

But first, the purple manifesto was signed by Eva Reuling, Institute Director of People & Business.

The panel discussion was conducted by student driver of the network D&I Sjamaani, Tess from Anteros, and Sabine from the bookstore Savannah Bay. During the panel, Social Worker Machil Deinum was present in case anyone needed support as the subject could be experienced as heavy.

The panel members indicated that their safety means being able and allowed to be themselves. It was also indicated that Hogeschool Utrecht feels safe, but that there is still too little attention for the queer community. As an example, cases were mentioned in education that is mainly heteronormative.

What can you do?

The panel was asked what small things someone could do to contribute to the safety of the LGBTIQA+ community. According to them, it is important to address each other when unsafe situations arise. Be an ally by actually standing by when needed. It was also recommended to seek information and start a conversation with each other. It is better to ask questions than to make assumptions, the panel said.

At the end of the day, it was time for Food to Talk. For this, Podium, HU HOME, and the GSA joined forces to celebrate that everyone should be able to be themselves and feel safe and accepted, regardless of their sexuality and/or gender identity.

There were colorful, tasty snacks and drinks. Of course, everything was decorated with beautiful purple and rainbow flags. On each table, there were several questions related to the LGBTQIA + community. There was talking, laughing, and sharing. In short, it was a successful party!

by Niusha Froozesh

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