February 2021 Member of the Month – CoC Nederland

COC Netherland works towards a world where everyone can live up to their full potential, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and/or sex characteristics. Founded in 1946, COC is the world’s oldest operating LGBTI organisation. As a federation of 20 local associations, we have over 30 staff and hundreds of volunteers. We support the LGBTI movement at the national and international levels, working to make its voice heard, get organised and bring about change. COC supports community-based groups tackle their issues in the way they think works best in their context. We provide support through funding, coaching, training and extending access to international networks and intergovernmental bodies. COC is one of the few LGBTI organisations in the world that has a special consultative status with the United Nations. From the early days of the 21st century, COC has been working to bring about a third phase in the emancipation of LGBTI people, focusing on social acceptance. The same standards regarding non-discrimination that have become anchored in Dutch legislation now need to fully take root in all parts of the Dutch society.

The highlight of these efforts so far, after years of advocacy by COC, is the fact that – since 2012 – every school in the Netherlands is required to provide information about LGBTI people and sexuality. At the request of COC, the Dutch government has developed a strong policy on LGBTI emancipation. In addition, there are now also groups – known as Gender Sexuality Alliances – at secondary schools throughout the country that offer discussions, information and events revolving around sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC).

COC is also actively engaged in improving the position of elderly LGBTI people (e.g. in nursing homes), of LGBTI with a bi-cultural or bi-religious background, and of LGBTI asylum seekers. COC continues to advocate equal rights. Among other things, our work has led to the possibility for same-sex couples to adopt children from foreign countries, but also to a better legal position for lesbian parent couples and their children. In our national advocacy prior to elections we commit political parties to Pink Ballet Agreements, a list of LGBTI-friendly measures we keep them accountable for after the elections when in government. COC has become an important player in the arena of international LGBTI emancipation.

In what ways have young LGBTQI people in your community been affected by the COVID-19 emergency and the lockdowns?

In many different ways. In the Netherlands schools were closed for 3 months at the beginning of this year. This has had a great impact on young people. We saw that it was really busier on online places for LGBTI youth. Young people are more looking for contact, which was more difficult at the time. Our physical encounters also came to a standstill for 3 months; and we see that many young people were happy that they could start up again in the summer. The situation for young people is slightly better in the autumn. primary education and secondary schools are open as usual. higher education and universities are actually only online. As COC we are committed to loneliness. For example, in September last year we launched an app in which LGBTI young people can meet each other safely (Jongenout.nl)

Are there specific ways in which you have supported the community that you would like to highlight and/or share with other European organisations?

In December each year we organise the Purple Friday again in schools all over the Netherlands.

Purple Friday is the big action day of the GSA Network (Gender & Sexuality Alliance). By colouring the school purple on the 2nd Friday in December every year, the GSA is committed to sexual and gender diversity as the norm. it’s a real grassroots action that doesn’t involve the schools; but students themselves organise the action day at school. Last year, 80% of secondary schools in the Netherlands participated.

Despite the corona measures, it promises to be bigger than ever. For the first time, primary education, higher education and universities are also (partially) participating online.

Making resources available for (safe) online meeting options. In addition, time and attention for mental problems of isolation; that are larger among the LGBTI community

In the Netherlands, it is now expected that most restrictive corona measures will be over after the summer of 2021. We hope, of course, that it is correct and that we can return to normal. In the Netherlands education seems to be going on fairly normally now; so we hope it stays that way. We will of course continue to focus on online encounters and interventions against feelings of loneliness.

COC defines its working method as inside-out: we support coalitions of LGBTI people in their efforts to bring about change from within their own community. LGBTI people can empower themselves, build strong communities and organisations, and work together in lobbying and advocacy.

What can governments, (national and international) authorities and institutions do more to support the communities you serve throughout this crisis?

Making resources available for (safe) online meeting options. In addition, time and attention for mental problems of isolation; that are larger among the LGBTI community.

There are reasons to believe that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be a part of our lives for 1-3 years. In what way do you think that prolonged lockdowns and/or other preventive measures will impact your work and LGBTQI+ youth in your country?