On 7 December 2023, I attended an inspiring event at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) that brought together educators, students, advocates, and community leaders to explore inclusion, safety, and belonging in professional spaces.
Held the day before Purple Friday, this Workplace Pride event sparked rich conversations around solidarity, allyship, and representation — values that sit at the heart of inclusive education and workplaces. It was opened by chair of the executive board at THUAS, Elisabeth Minnemann.
I agreed with her message that events such as this are not about creating a “special bubble” but instead about dialogue and learning about differences in a positive way. It’s about reconsidering our language to be more inclusive and ensuring we are a place where identities develop in every way we choose.
Though Dutch is not my native language and I’m still learning, I could follow most of the presentations. Speakers offered new and personal perspectives on how visibility, equality and safety can be more meaningfully integrated into everyday practice.
Felix van Vugt, Hogeschool Utrecht
Felix van Vugt shared his experiences how their GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance) has grown at Hogeschool Utrecht, created to bring awareness and support to LGBTQIA+ inclusion . What began as a small initiative has now grown into a powerful platform for awareness, progressiveness, and community connection — involving staff, students, and allies across departments.
Practical examples, from being able to update student names in Canvas (for example, to reflect the correct identity of students that may not mirror their registered name) to email signatures with pronouns, and creating and integrating inclusive materials and videos, Felix showed that change often begins with small, consistent actions.
Felix started for the first few years as a volunteer but then was allocated a few hours to be able to dedicate to the community. Ultimately there are the goals of awareness and visibility but also safety for all staff and students.
Kshitij Mor, PhD candidate
Kshitij Mor invited us to reflect on how diversity words can lose meaning when not paired with genuine engagement. It was emphasised that while many organisations proudly claim to value inclusion, true belonging is only achieved when safety, awareness, and visibility are fully intertwined. This deeply resonated with me who believes that everyone deserves to feel seen and supported at work and in study.
Though the attitude of some in a workplace may be “this is something for your private life”, it was valuable to note that this is something that is a constant conversation decision at work for many queer people though. For example, what is seen by others as dress codes and what is “professional” – even a casual conversation referring to a partner as a wife or husband can be a (perhaps not willing) coming out moment at work, or feeling the need to avoid this. Ultimately it’s about expanding the paradigm of “what is normal” to make sure we re all included.
Another highlight was hearing from COC Haaglanden and local municipality representatives, who discussed collaboration with schools, guest classes, and youth groups. Their initiatives reinforce that inclusion isn’t just a workplace topic — it’s a community effort that starts with education and extends outward.
Throughout the day, one message echoed strongly: everyone can say diversity words, but not everyone matches them with actions. Real progress requires dialogue, empathy, and courage — especially in moments when it’s uncomfortable.
Overall, I felt renewed motivation to carry these lessons forward — into classrooms and communities that I’m involved in. Inclusion isn’t a checkbox or a campaign; it’s an ongoing practice for everyone of awareness, respect, and connection.
Zestee 