Purple Friday: open to everyone, even when that isn't a given

Acceptance is declining

That openness can't be taken for granted. In September, Utrecht University and the Trimbos Institute published research among Dutch pupils aged 11 to 16. Acceptance of homosexuality has dropped sharply in four years. Among boys in secondary school, the share with a positive attitude fell from 40 to 22 percent. Among girls, it fell from 78 to 51 percent.

Many of our students and staff are parents, teachers, mentors, or colleagues of these young people. What they hear from us makes a difference.

Wear purple, but above all, start a conversation

We mostly meet online, so purple clothing is less visible. Would you like to wear purple? We encourage it. But above all, we ask you to start a conversation with the people around you. Three questions to begin with:

• Think of a moment when you felt truly accepted. What did the other person do and how can you do that for someone else? 
• Ask a young person you know: can you be yourself at school or at work?
• What would you want a young person to hear from you about being themselves?

Awareness all year round

Purple Friday is just one moment. For several years, the Diversity Office has organised awareness activities for students and staff. Every spring we organise the Diversity Month.

Experiencing exclusion or discrimination?

At the Open Universiteit, no one should feel excluded. Are you experiencing unwanted behaviour because of your sexual orientation or gender identity? Contact the Ombudsperson.