Workplace Pride

Mini conference Workplace Pride

On Friday, December 8, it's Spirit Day, a day when everyone can show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community by simply wearing a purple garment. More and more colleges and universities are participating in this. Why? Because individuals belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community in higher education still face more bullying and discrimination than non-LGBTQIA+ individuals. This is happening while your time as a student should be a period to explore your own gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality. This can be very liberating, but it must happen in a safe environment.

That's why The Lighthouse, in collaboration with the Sexuality and Diversity Minor and the Inclusion Office, is organizing a programme on Thursday, December 7, and Friday, December 8. On Thursday, a mini conference will be held on the theme of Workplace Pride. On Friday, December 8, there will be activities that will turn the day purple, organised by and for students. 

Programme

Thursday December 7, 2023

All participants are welcome from 10:00 in the Atrium to register and have a welcome drink. Here, you will also receive a wristband for catering for lunch and drinks. 

Following the mini-conference, all participants are welcome to join us for a drink during the social gathering in the Atrium. 

Register

Registration is mandatory and can be done for each event separately.

Sign up now!

Sessions

Lecture 'The History of Homo-Emancipation' by Mathieu Heemelaar (NL) 

10:30 – 12:00 | OVk.61

In this special lecture, Mathieu Heemelaar will talk about the homo-emancipation of the last 100 years. The story is interspersed with the life story of his gay uncle, who lived from 1924 to 2008. Bi+, transgender, and intersex individuals can also draw inspiration from his personal story, which simultaneously reflects the dilemmas of emancipation movements. One such dilemma is the question of how much to conform to prevailing norms and what this means for societal acceptance. 

Poster Presentation of the Minor with Lunch 

12:00 – 12:45 | Innovation Playground

Get inspired by poster presentations on increasing LGBTQIA+ inclusivity at The Hague University of Applied Sciences by students from the Sexuality and Diversity Minor. Students conducted research and designed projects to enhance knowledge, open discussions, and increase visibility of LGBTQIA+ issues across various programmes at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, a high school, and within the Sexuality and Diversity Minor itself. Sharing personal stories, opinions, and engaging in equitable conversations are central to this initiative. 

Presented by students from the Sexuality and Diversity Minor in collaboration with the Inclusion Office.  

Lecture 'The Pros and Cons of LGBTQIA+ Human Rights' by Marieke Kroneman (NL) 

12:45 – 14:00 | OV0.61

Cultural traditions and religious freedom are not valid reasons to allow violence and discrimination against individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+. With reference to inequalities in legislation, privileges available to heterosexual cisgender women and men have gradually extended to those identifying as LGBTQIA+ in Europe and beyond. This includes the well-known example of the right for same-sex couples to marry. In this lecture, we'll explore the shift in LGBTQIA+ movement objectives from self-determination, individualization, and recognition of LGBTQIA+ (sub)culture towards universal human rights and how it can lead to more heteronormativity, invisibility, and homo-nationalism. 

Mini conference 'Workplace Pride' with Ph.D. Candidate Kshitij Mor (ENG)

14:15 – 15:30 | Speakers' Corner

Elisabeth Minneman, a member of the Board of Directors, will open this session by discussing the importance of an inclusive work environment and her perspective on the policies required to achieve this. Following that, Ph.D. Candidate Kshitij Mor will present data and research on creating a supportive culture and policy for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

After a short break, we will engage in a discussion with the Pride department of Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, who will share their best practices for translating LGBTQIA+ individuals' experiences into policies and actions to enhance queer people's inclusion in the workplace. We will conclude with an open discussion where employees and students can share their challenges in fostering a supportive culture. In short, an inspiring session full of information and hands-on tools to implement in your own organisation. 

Presented by The Lighthouse.