I first published this article on LinkedIn here
On Tuesday 15 May 2024, I attended an event held by the Lighthouse at my work – De Haagse Hogeschool / The Hague University of Applied Sciences, where Boris Dittrich spoke about his life experiences as an advocate for lgbtiqa+ human rights.
DEI and the ongoing fight for basic human rights
My main reason to attend was that I’ve now been active in the #DEI (Diversity, equity and inclusion) space for several years now, which is complex and confronting – and SO important. I respect and want to learn from people such as Boris who have made a significant impact in this field.
There are so many aspects to #diversity, and I greatly admire the progress that the #lgbtiqa+ community as a whole have made in the last few decades in their fight for human rights. Sadly, that battle must continue, especially in a number of countries where there are still horrific things happening to people.
Who is Boris Dittrich?
If you’re Dutch, you’ve probably heard of him. I hadn’t until this event. I found this Wikipedia article about in English helpful though in understanding the huge impact he’s had in the Netherlands and also the world.:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Dittrich
During his career, Dittrich became a national figure for his initiatives on issues like same-sex marriage, euthanasia, legalisation of specific forms of sex work, and decriminalising the use of soft drugs. These are issues that have made the Netherlands leading when it comes to this kind of legislation in the world.
It was a privilege to hear part of his story directly, including the fact that when he first joined parliament in 1994, he was told… “The Netherlands is not ready for (someone in parliament) to be openly gay.” He said that he “got stubborn” (great Dutch quality!) and remained open and talked about and advocated for equal marriages. And – he succeeded.
My notes….
Why celebrate 17 May?
The European Parliament has declared 17 May as the International Day against homophobia:
Why? Because (quote from the website above):
Between 1948 and 1990, the World Health Organisation classified homosexuality as a mental handicap and it was only on 17 May 1990 that the General Assembly declared “homosexuality is not a disease, a disturbance or a perversion”.
This shocked me. This is in my own lifetime. However I’m also glad that I’m shocked – it’s due to the work of Boris and so many others that now, in 2024, it seems absurd to me and most people I know that this used to be the case.
However unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone, yet. Quite the opposite, with discrimination, harassment, rape and murder still happening to homosexual men, lesbian women, bisexuals, and transgender individuals around the world. We cannot ignore this.
Staying strong in such a serious situation
Boris spoke of many serious subjects – and I appreciated his calm nature and ability to be strong for so long in such difficult situations. He was asked an important question from the audience about how he stays motivated in the face of so much blatant discrimination, hate and pain. He answered that by working with people who are so brave, especially in countries with such dire situations – yet they don’t give up.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands may be “more advanced” in the legal rights side, but unfortunately, discrimination still takes place in day to day life too. I moved here from Australia with the perception that The Netherlands is extremely tolerant – and as a whole it may be. Yet I have had multiple direct experiences around me, showing that the fight is not yet over here either. Boris specifically mentioned that he seeks allies outside of this community to ensure human rights for us all. So it’s important for us all to acknowledge this. This could mean simply educating yourself about the issues, through to becoming much more active. You do not have to be (openly) in a minority community to give your support.
Elke liefde telt (every love counts) and Mandaat
Boris has written two books, which I would struggle to read in Dutch, but did enjoy some short readings he shared, about some of his experiences. I’ll have to see if there are English translations available.
LGBTIQA+ Community & Allies
I very much enjoyed the conversations I had as well with other attendees, there are so many wonderful new and ongoing initiatives to support minority communities.
From learning simple things (for example, what do all the letters stand for and what do these represent for people who identify with those?), to bigger issues, dialogue in supportive, safe spaces like this are the basis for positive change.
Thank you
Marieke Kroneman, PhD did a wonderful job of moderating (in both Dutch and English – goed gedaan en bedankt!).
Richard Heijnen for being present to look at ways that our board can ensure we do truly represent the #inclusiveness we intend to at THUAS.
Alexander Case for the fabulous in depth discussion on everything from #intersectionality to #DEI to #neurodiversity to kids to worldwide travel.
Robin Bormans from the Lighthouse for the organisation of the event.
Fellow lecturers Lilian Völker , Marije Minkman and others who attended to continue learning how we can best support our students
And students Elias Fabricius, Fieneke Noordzij, Bianca Tudorache who I only had a chance to talk to briefly but hope to see again sometime soon!
The GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) at THUAS does some great work creating an active and supportive queer community:
https://www.instagram.com/gsa.thuas
Thank you to Boris for taking the time to come and talk to us, and to THUAS for the opportunity to listen and learn. Thank you to those worldwide who fight for human rights. Thank you to those who struggle and suffer for simply being yourself – and yet still survive, somehow. Thank you to those who have taken the time to read. I hope we can all, together, ensure basic human rights of safety for every single person in the world, of every gender and regardless of sexuality. Now is not soon enough.
Pride The Hague
Also in The Hague? Take a look at the variety of events this weekend: https://pridethehague.nl
From the THUAS site as promotion of the event…
Saving a copy below:
https://www.thuas.com/about-thuas/events-activities/boris-dittrich-about-advocates-lgbtiqa-rights
There are those people in life who surprise you. People who inspire you by who they are and what they do. People who do the hard work in the foreground and background, but whom you as a student may have heard little about. Until you read a book or delve into their lives. Here’s your chance!
Boris Dittrich has been tirelessly devoted to the public cause and particularly (sexual) minorities throughout his life. He has had a remarkable career, and during this session, we will explore his experiences in the fight for lgbtiqa+ rights both from his endeavors in politics and as the Advocacy Director of the LGBT Rights Program for Human Rights Watch in New York and Berlin.
First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win. With this encouragement as a guideline, Boris Dittrich worked with Human Rights Watch to strengthen and disseminate rights for sexual minorities. His mission was to protect homosexual men, lesbian women, bisexuals, and transgender individuals from discrimination, harassment, rape, and murder with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through some personal stories and experiences, we will delve deeper into these rights and link them to current events.
The conversation will be moderated by Marieke Kroneman, lecturer of the Minor Sexuality and Diversity and chair of the Peer to Peer Intervention Foundation; students who provide peer education in secondary vocational education. She obtained her doctorate in 2022 on ‘Peer education as an opportunity for practicing respect for sexual and gender diversity’ at Leiden University.
This session is organized by The Lighthouse of The Hague University of Applied Sciences as a run up to Pride The Hague, taking place from May 17-19, 2024. Sharing Stories is the theme.
The language of the event is Dutch and English. At the close of the event, there will be drinks with Boris Dittrich. You’re welcome to join!
Dutch Australian 
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