Since 1972, COC Limburg has been a cornerstone of queer advocacy in the Dutch province of Limburg, playing a vital role in fostering social acceptance and advancing LGBTQ+ rights within the region. With around 15 internal working groups and over 120 volunteers, their impact extends across various Dutch cities, including Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Roermond, Heerlen, Weert, Venlo, Venray, and smaller communities.
Their initiatives, such as Queercare, Safe School Limburg, and various youth projects, address local needs by providing essential support/care services and promoting acceptance in educational settings. Additionally, their influence reaches beyond provincial borders, collaborating with partners across Europe, particularly in the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, through projects coordinated by the Working Group for Diversity and Inclusion in Europe (WIDE).
This international engagement underscores COC Limburg's ongoing dedication to promoting inclusivity and empowerment for the queer community, both locally and internationally.
COC Limburg believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can fully participate and thrive. Their mission encompasses various initiatives aimed at advancing queer emancipation and promoting social equality. They are committed to advancing queer emancipation by challenging societal norms and advocating for policy changes at local and global levels.
Their steadfast dedication extends to supporting vulnerable groups within the queer community, ensuring that youth, elderly, mentally disabled, and bicultural individuals have the resources and support they need. Through collaboration with local political structures and global queer organisations, they amplify their collective voice and influence positive change. Where necessary, they take direct action to challenge injustices and advocate for the rights of queer individuals. By standing up for our community and participating in activism, they ensure that their voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed. They are advocating for bottom-up community approaches to policymaking and implementation.
To ensure the holistic well-being of our community, COC Limburg integrates positive health principles into all their endeavours. This involves addressing not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. They prioritise initiatives that promote self-care, resilience, and empowerment among queer individuals. By embracing positive health, they aim to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and flourish.
COC Limburg believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive society where every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can fully participate and thrive. Their mission encompasses various initiatives aimed at advancing queer emancipation and promoting social equality. They are committed to advancing queer emancipation by challenging societal norms and advocating for policy changes at local and global levels.
Their steadfast dedication extends to supporting vulnerable groups within the queer community, ensuring that youth, elderly, mentally disabled, and bicultural individuals have the resources and support they need. Through collaboration with local political structures and global queer organisations, they amplify their collective voice and influence positive change. Where necessary, they take direct action to challenge injustices and advocate for the rights of queer individuals. By standing up for our community and participating in activism, they ensure that their voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed. They are advocating for bottom-up community approaches to policymaking and implementation.
To ensure the holistic well-being of our community, COC Limburg integrates positive health principles into all their endeavours. This involves addressing not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social well-being. They prioritise initiatives that promote self-care, resilience, and empowerment among queer individuals. By embracing positive health, they aim to create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and flourish.
Is your organisation based in the Council of Europe Region and dedicated to LGBTQI youth rights? Whether you’re a grassroots group of volunteers or part of a national NGO, we can’t wait for you to join our network!
