IDAHOTB » The Netherlands

A VR Platform Did a Social Experiment with Chinese LGBTQ Participants

Joel Bedos — Sat, 19 May 2018 08:40:01 +0000

VeeR VR, one of the biggest virtual reality/360 content platforms, has put together some interesting social experiments with LGBTQ folks. Based in Beijing, the platform collaborated with the Beijing LGBT Center on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, to produce a couple videos to test if people would support the community.

The first one, titled “Free Hug in Beijing,” shows a blindfolded young woman wearing a shirt that says “I am a homosexual” in Chinese. During the duration of the VR video, she holds her arms out and numerous people come up and hug her to show support. It’s really simple and really sweet.

Because of the 360 aspect, I watched the video twice. First, I watched it facing the blindfolded woman to see her reaction to every hug. Second, I watched it from her perspective and saw the people walk by as well as the expressions of the people who were walking up to hug her. It was cool to see a new angle on these social experiment videos — something that’s only possible through VR.

The second video, titled “Can You Take a Photo of Us?” shows two men wearing the same “I am a homosexual” shirts. Bystanders would walk up and take a picture of the pair with their sign. As the video goes on, people start joining in on the picture rather than just using their camera.

Chinese activists have worked hard to change China’s cultural attitude towards LGBTQ people and it’s awesome that they can utilize this new technology to document those efforts and their successes.

IDAHOT 2017 country page: The Netherlands

IDAHO — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 13:23:18 +0000

IDAHOT (The Netherlands): Family Photoshoot, April 19 from from 1:oo p.m. @ Utrecht Centraal station Utrecht, Utrecht
IDAHOT (The Netherlands): IDAHOT 2017 Week, May 13 – 17 @ various locations (click here for full agenda)
Workplace Pride and GenderTalent: IDAHOT 2017 Event; May 17 from 5 p.m. @ Lola Lik (Former Bijlmer Jail Canteen), 48 H.J.E. Wenckebachweg, Amsterdam
LGBT Youth Performance Initiative Amsterdam: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – 5 personal solos share variety of stories; May 17 from 7:00 p.m. @ Central OBA (Public Library), 1st floor, Oosterdokskade 143, Amsterdam
HIVOS: Free to be Me – public outreach to spread awareness on the hidden lives that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender and intersex people (LGBTI) are forced to live around the world; May 16 from 1.00 p.m to 4.00 pm and from 5:00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.; May 17 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. @ City Centre, Amsterdam

IDAHOT Report 2016: The Netherlands

IDAHO — Fri, 27 May 2016 11:41:59 +0000

Organizations from both the public and the Dutch state this year helped mark IDAHOT with a broad range of public events.

On a national scale, the Dutch National Gay/Straight Education Alliance called upon schools across the country to address sexual diversity and discrimination within their curriculum. The group also published a number of suggestions online for educators and policy makers.

On an international scale the Dutch diplomatic service helped support IDAHOT in a number of countries. As well as hosting a handful of public events in embassies across the world, diplomatic services in many countries also supported the day with a coordinated online campaign. Messages of support and solidarity, as well as symbolic images and links to resources and information were all shared through social media, with a big focus on Twitter.

Across the country IDAHOT Netherlands will be celebrated the day online, through social media and their website. The group also supported the efforts of Dutch LGBT campaigns and will be running a competition to win tickets for the country’s national pride event later this year.

In Rotterdam MyLGBTLife hosted a day of number of events in celebration of the day. As well as panel discussions on issues related to the LGBT community there will also be an after party featuring a well-known Dutch DJ.

IDAHOT Events 2016: The Netherlands

IDAHO — Wed, 11 May 2016 14:34:57 +0000

To mark IDAHOT 2016 the Dutch National Gay/Straight Education Alliance has called upon schools across the country to address sexual diversity within their education and approach. The group called upon educators and policy makers to include issues of discrimination and raised concerns over the lack of will within the Dutch school system.

Across the country IDAHOT Netherlands will be celebrating and supporting the day online, through social media and their website. The group will support the efforts of Dutch LGBT campaigns and will also be running a competition to win tickets for the country’s national pride event later this year.

In Rotterdam MyLGBTLife will host a day of number of events in celebration of the day. As well as panel discussions on issues related to the LGBT community there will also be an after party featuring a well-known Dutch DJ.

IDAHOT Events 2015: The Netherlands

IDAHO — Sun, 10 May 2015 15:55:00 +0000

The Netherlands saw a variety of events, from religious ceremonies and vigils to parties and movie screenings, and of course, the raising of the rainbow flag.

We are still busy collecting information on this year’s IDAHOT activities and are waiting to hear back from activists and event organisers. If you have information to share with us, please write us at contact@dayagainsthomophobia.org

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of The Netherlands joined the global celebrations. The Deputy Secretary General together with a Senegalese LGBT Activist hoisted the rainbow flag outside the ministry, the flag stayed there the entire IDAHOT week. The ministry gave this more visibility by taking pictures and posting the event on their Twitter account.

Additionally, the ministry hosted the film screening on Wednesday 13 May of the movie “A Family Affair” from Human Rights in the Picture that focusses on parents of LGBT persons in Kenya, Lebanon and Russia. The screening was the premiere for the film!

The Oranjekerk Amsterdam once again held the traditional IDAHOT Vigil in commemoration of victims of Anti-LGBTQI violence on 17 May at the protestant church at 2e van der Helststraat 1-3, in Amsterdam. Like the years before, the ceremony also included testimonies by LGBT people from different parts of the world and the lighting of candles.

Find more details about the vigil on the Facebook page. For more details on the church and their activities please visit their website (dutch).

Uganda Gay On Move Netherlands (UGOM) hosted a meeting and a get together party in the occasion of celebrating IDAHOT. This event was scheduled to gather all the LGBTI members and well wishers in the Netherlands at one place and celebrate together.

The event took place after IDAHOT on May 23 at the COC Rotterdam location. Link to the event here.

UGOM is a group of Ugandan LGBT people who live in the Netherlands, mostly because of the hostile environment in Uganda. Find out more about the group on their website.

IDAHOT Report 2014: The Netherlands

IDAHO — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 10:46:25 +0000

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, a new website for LGBT Youth activities was launched on IDAHOT 2014, and the Oranje Kerk in Amsterdam also organised a IDAHOT vigil to remember the victims of Anti-LGBT violence.

New Platform for LGBT Youth

The groups COC Netherlands, Movisie and NJR launched a new website for May 17, 2014, which is targeted towards LGBT youth. The website provides information about activities aimed at young LGBTI people in local areas. The website provides a good platform for people to know what is going on in their own region, but also to get connected and overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation. The website was launched on May 17 in commemoration of IDAHOT and was realised with the support of the Ministry of Education. The new website is: www.nietalleenanders.nl

IDAHOT Vigil in Amsterdam

The first IDAHOT-vigil, as part of the Global Interfaith Prayer Initiative in the Netherlands, was held in Amsterdam. The event included an hour of commemoration (prayer, silent reflection, song and testimony), and was aimed at giving hope to communities which have suffered the effects of hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The vigil was organised by the protestant Church, Oranje Kerk (Orange Church), and LKP, the national coordinating organisation of the Christian LGBT movement in the Netherlands. Testimonies were held by Narayan Fil, Moses Walusimbi and Jos van der Bijl. Revs Jantine Heuvelink (Orange Church) and Wielie Elhorst (on behalf of LKP) led the ceremony. Money was also collected for Pride Fonds (Pride Fund) of Amnesty International, and for COC Netherlands, the Dutch LGBT organisation.

Organisers advised: “The message of the vigil was that there is room for everybody under the skies of heaven, without distinction and to spread the living hope that someday every single person will be fully included and can fully participate in church and in society.”

For more information about the Oranje Kerk in Amsterdam please visit their website or go to their Facebook page.

Source: Oranje Kerk Amsterdam

First IDAHOT-vigil in the Netherlands

IDAHO — Tue, 06 May 2014 11:23:50 +0000

The first IDAHOT-vigil in the Netherlands will be celebrated in Amsterdam and will be an hour to commemorate and to give hope to the victims of worldwide violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

This year for the first time an IDAHOT-vigil will be organised in The Netherlands. During the vigil the participants will commemorate the violence LGBT-people have to suffer worldwide. This violence cannot remain unmentioned. That is why they commemorate all victims of homo- and transphobia. They will do so in silence and in words, in songs and prayers and a reading from the Bible, and in three testimonies of LGBT-people themselves.
The message of the vigil is that there is room for everybody under the skies of heaven, without distinction and to spread the living hope that someday every single person will be fully included and can fully participate in church and in society.

The vigil is organised by the protestant Oranjekerk (Orange Church) and LKP, the national coordinating organisation of the Christian LGBT-movement in the Netherlands. The choir and the organ player of the church participate in the service. Testimonies will be held by Moses Walusimbi from Uganda, Döne Fil, a Dutch muslima with Turkish background, and Jos van der Bijl, organ player of the Orange Church. Revs Jantine Heuvelink (Orange Church) and Wielie Elhorst (on behalf of LKP) will lead the ceremony. Money will be collected for Pride Fonds (Pride Fund) of Amnesty International and COC Netherlands, the Dutch LGBT organisation. Pride Fund supports LGBT-people in difficult circumstances, such as in Uganda.

A liturgical help has been made for all ministers who are interested to give any attention to IDAHOT in the morning service on the Sunday following IDAHOT.
The Christian LGBT organization Progetto Gionata from Italy started organising the vigils in 2007. Last year there were more than 40 vigils in mostly European and Latin American cities. Some of the vigils were organised together with the official churches.

For more information about the Oranjekerk in Amsterdam please visit their website or go to their Facebook page.

Feminism gave me the words and inspiration

IDAHO — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 16:40:17 +0000

“Feminism matters!

In 1998, my first class in Gender Studies at the University of Amsterdam changed my life.

I was 21 and finally I got to understand power relations and patriarchy on a theoretical level. Until then, feminism was only a word to me. Coming from a middle class background in the south of The Netherlands, with a working father and a stay-at-home mom, I never gave this gendered division of labour a second thought. Although I was brought up to question inequality and was taken to demonstrations against nuclear energy, feminism just didn’t seem to count as a serious form of activism. Me realising I was a lesbian didn’t change my view in this, I just didn’t know any better.

In The Netherlands, the lesbian movement was loosely intertwined with the feminist movement, mainly concentrated in the bigger cities. My move to Amsterdam from this city in the south, meant a radical change for me, in more than one way. I got the space, chance and opportunity to discover my sexuality, but it was my introduction to feminism too. I met women (and men) who wanted to change the world in a way that was both personal and political. Being a lesbian suddenly turned out to be something that was embedded in a structure of power, of something bigger than me, of human rights. Feminism gave me the words and the inspiration to question the world, to fight a battle.

My conviction that societal norms are not a natural given and that resistance is possible (no, needed!) doesn’t always make me popular among my non-feminist friends. Why do I always feel the need to speak out, to question even the “most obvious” things and to get wound up about “self-imagined” enemies? When asked these questions, I laugh and then I explain, again and, if necessary, again. And I think of, in particular, young lesbians from smaller cities in the south.”

Juul van Hoof, MOVISIE, The Netherlands

Netherlands IDAHO Report 2013

IDAHO — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:34:47 +0000

The International IDAHO Forum in the Hague was, of course, a clear highlight of events in the Netherlands, with a special mention for Queen Máxima of the Netherlands who became the first monarch ever to participate in the May 17 commemorations. At Leiden University campus in The Hague, a seminar was also held on existing legal frameworks for LGBT rights, survey findings, and discussions of same sex partnership and adoption rights. Once again Dutch embassies around the world were particularly active in promoting the day by flying the pride flag, and organising events to mark May 17, including in countries where LGBT communities are severely repressed.

International IDAHO Conference. The Hague (May 15 – 17).

The aims for this IDAHO conference were “to promote emancipation of LGBT people, to combat violence and discrimination based on gender (identity) and sexual orientation, and to take stock of public leadership, policy achievements and cooperation in Europe and beyond”.

The conference included high level plenaries and workshops, including :

Government Focal Point Roundtable
European Gay Police Association Conference
ILGA-Europe Council of Europe project Roundtable
NATO LGBT informal Roundtable
International Rainbow Cities Roundtable
Council of Europe LGBT project partners Roundtable
Presentation of the Fundamental Rights Agency survey

Programme:

15 May 2013

Official opening in the Grand Hall of the International Peace Palace Co-hosted by The Hague City

Plenary

Welcome address by the deputy Mayor of The Hague City
Brief introduction to IDAHO by the conference host

16 May 2013

Plenary
Kick off by Jet Bussemaker, Dutch Government Minister for Gender & LGBT emancipation
Key note by Joel Bedos, director of IDAHO international
Key note by Evelyne Paradis, director of ILGA-Europe

Parallel events

Govt. Focal Point Roundtable
European Gay Police Association Conference
ILGA-Europe Council of Europe project Roundtable
NATO LGBT informal Roundtable
International Rainbow Cities Roundtable
Council of Europe LGBT project partners Roundtable

Plenary

Official IDAHO 2013 statement by High UN Official
Key note speech by Secretary General of the Council of Europe

17 May 2013

Plenary

Key note speech by Viviane Reding Vice President of the European Commission (tbc)
Presentation of the FRA Survey by Morten Kjaerum Director Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union (confirmed)

Parallel events

Rainbow Cities Govt. Focal Points Roundtable
Govt. Focal Points & Council of Europe project partners Roundtable
EGPA
NATO LGBT informal Roundtable

Plenary

Key note speech Human Rights Watch – Boris Dittrich (confirmed)
Panel about the outcomes of the IDAHO 2013 conference
Governmental LGBT Focal Points
Rainbow Cities Govt. Focal Points
Informal NATO Working Group
European Gay Police Association
ILGA- Europe by Evelyne Paradis
Council of Europe
European Parliament
Global Alliance Trans Equality by Justus Eisfeld
IDAHO 2013 conclusions by the chair

Theater Hall

Opening Act
LGBT emancipation Innovation award
Life Time Achievement LGBT emancipation Government award
Act II
Offiial closing Key note by Navanethem Pillay – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (t.b.c.)
Closing Act

Her Majesty Queen of the Netherlands Maxima attended on May 16th the opening ceremony of the International IDAHO Conference, attended by high level international political figures, amongst which High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, addressed participants in The Hague on the evening of the 16th

In his speech, the Secretary General underlined that “for generations, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in all regions have been subjected to terrible violence on account of their sexual orientation and gender identity”. He pursues, “For far too long, their suffering was met with silence in the halls of power. As Secretary-General, I am committed to raising my voice.”

While underlining the need for legal reforms, Mr Ban Ki-moon also emphasized that “public education is also essential to challenge negative stereotypes and promote greater understanding.” The address was read by delivered by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay

Mr Ban Ki-moon’s full Communiqué :

“I am pleased to send greetings to this first International Forum organized by the Government of The Netherlands to mark the International Day against Homophobia. I especially thank Her Majesty Queen Máxima of The Netherlands for supporting this important event.

The fight against homophobia is a core part of the broader battle for human rights for all. Its sits alongside the long-standing work of the United Nations to eliminate racism and promote gender equality. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights promises a world that is free and equal, and we will only honour that promise if everyone – without exception – enjoys the protection they deserve.

For generations, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in all regions have been subjected to terrible violence on account of their sexual orientation and gender identity. They have been treated with contempt, derision and discrimination. They have been made to feel anything but free and equal.

For far too long, their suffering was met with silence in the halls of power.

As Secretary-General, I am committed to raising my voice. Along with many committed partners, we are working to elevate this struggle and draw greater attention to the specific challenges facing the LGBT members of our human family. I appreciate all those who support this effort and call on others to engage.

We know what needs to be done. Draconian laws used to criminalize and punish LGBT people must be replaced by new laws that are in harmony with universal human rights conventions and protect everyone from discrimination on grounds of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Public education is also essential to challenge negative stereotypes and promote greater understanding.

Ending homophobia is a matter of personal security, dignity and even survival for countless individuals. It is also a long-term endeavour – one that I believe is critical to the mission of the United Nations.

I thank you for your commitment to the cause and wish you fruitful discussions in the coming days. With the force of our conviction, let us continue working for a world of true freedom and equality for all.”

European Union Fundamental Rights Agency unveils largest European LGBT Study ever

On May 17^th, The Fundamental Rights Agency launched in the Hague the largest Survey on LGBT rights in the European Union.

“A too great number of LGBT people across Europe are being barred from being themselves. Their ability to enjoy their basic human right of living with dignity, to enjoy life and express themselves freely without discrimination, is being denied,” FRA Director Morten Kjaerum said in his opening speech.

The survey recorded participation from 93,079 LGBT people from all EU members States and Croatia. Results show, amongst other elements, that:

– Half of respondents report discrimination.

– 80% of respondents recall homophobic bullying of LGBT youth at school.

– Fewer than 1 in 5 victims of violence reported to the police.

-66% of respondents declare being afraid to hold hands in public

-Half of the respondents report offensive language against LGBT from the part of government official.

In light of the lack of comparable data on the respect, fulfilment and protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) launched in 2012 its European Union online survey of LGBT persons’ experiences of discrimination, harassment, violence in different areas of life, including education, employment, healthcare and other services.

The full study is available at http://fra.europa.eu/en/news/2013/fra-director-holds-speech-launch-eu-lgbt-survey-report

Dutch Government Hosts International Conference

IDAHO — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:34:47 +0000

The Dutch Government will be hosting a broad International IDAHO Conference, which will take place in the Hague on May15-17.

The aims for this IDAHO conference are “to promote emancipation of LGBT people, to combat violence and discrimination based on gender (identity) and sexual orientation, and to take stock of public leadership, policy achievements and cooperation in Europe and beyond”.

The conference will include high level plenaries and workshops, including :

Govt. Focal Point Roundtable
European Gay Police Association Conference
ILGA-Europe Council of Europe project Roundtable
NATO LGBT informal Roundtable
International Rainbow Cities Roundtable
Council of Europe LGBT project partners Roundtable
Presentation of the Fundamental Rights Agency survey

Programme :

15 May 2013

Official opening in the Grand Hall of the International Peace Palace Co-hosted by The Hague City

Plenary

Welcome address by the deputy Mayor of The Hague City
Brief introduction to IDAHO by the conference host

16 May 2013

Plenary
Kick off by Jet Bussemaker, Dutch Government Minister for Gender & LGBT emancipation
Key note by Joel Bedos, director of IDAHO international
Key note by Evelyne Paradis, director of ILGA-Europe

Parallel events

Govt. Focal Point Roundtable
European Gay Police Association Conference
ILGA-Europe Council of Europe project Roundtable
NATO LGBT informal Roundtable
International Rainbow Cities Roundtable
Council of Europe LGBT project partners Roundtable

Plenary

Official IDAHO 2013 statement by High UN Official
Key note speech by Secretary General of the Council of Europe

17 May 2013

Plenary

Key note speech by Viviane Reding Vice President of the European Commission (tbc)
Presentation of the FRA Survey by Morten Kjaerum Director Fundamental Rights Agency of the European Union (confirmed)

Parallel events

Rainbow Cities Govt. Focal Points Roundtable
Govt. Focal Points & Council of Europe project partners Roundtable
EGPA
NATO LGBT informal Roundtable

Plenary

Key note speech Human Rights Watch – Boris Dittrich (confirmed)
Panel about the outcomes of the IDAHO 2013 conference
Governmental LGBT Focal Points
Rainbow Cities Govt. Focal Points
Informal NATO Working Group
European Gay Police Association
ILGA- Europe by Evelyne Paradis
Council of Europe
European Parliament
Global Alliance Trans Equality by Justus Eisfeld
IDAHO 2013 conclusions by the chair

Theater Hall

Opening Act
LGBT emancipation Innovation award
Life Time Achievement LGBT emancipation Government award
Act II
Offiial closing Key note by Navanethem Pillay – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (t.b.c.)
Closing Act