1 July 2026, Amsterdam, Workplace Pride welcomed a delegation of 13 students from the University of Oregon (United States) as part of their study abroad programme exploring the Netherlands’ long-standing commitment to LGBTIQ+ equality.
Hosted by Executive Director David Pollard, the session introduced students to an often-overlooked dimension of inclusion: the workplace. While the students were already familiar with the Netherlands’ progressive history on issues such as marriage equality, adoption rights and gender recognition, many were encountering the concept of structured workplace LGBTIQ+ inclusion for the first time.
The discussion sparked thoughtful questions about the role of employers, including whether corporate engagement is genuine and how organisations ensure that LGBTIQ+ inclusion is embraced at every level of leadership.
Drawing on Workplace Pride’s more than 20 years of experience, David shared practical examples of how lasting progress is achieved through sustained collaboration, leadership commitment and initiatives that often take place behind the scenes. The session demonstrated that meaningful workplace inclusion is a long-term journey, with success measured not only by visible actions but also by the cultural change they create.
The visit concluded with a key takeaway: meaningful inclusion begins with empathy. By putting yourself in the shoes of others and understanding their lived experiences, organisations and individuals are far more likely to create tangible, sustainable change for LGBTIQ+ people in the workplace.
