Fostering Workplace Inclusion: Collaboration between CSOs and Businesses Takes Centre Stage

Deputy Ambassador Robert Dekker, Initiator of the event

Skopje, North Macedonia – On June 22, 2023, Europe House hosted a significant roundtable discussion titled “Culture of Inclusion at the Workplace: Strategies for Success.” Organised by the Netherlands Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia, the event aimed to bridge the gap between local LGBTIQ+ Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and businesses, fostering understanding and cooperation.

Workplace Pride, invited by the Netherlands Embassy, played a pivotal role in the discussion. David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, shared the organisation’s extensive experience in the field, highlighting key initiatives such as measurement, training, events, knowledge sharing, and societal engagement to promote LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

Pollard emphasised the shared interests and opportunities for collaboration between CSOs and businesses. He underscored that businesses can benefit from working with CSOs by understanding the perspectives of their LGBTIQ+ employees and clients, positioning themselves as forward-looking enterprises, and attracting young talent. Conversely, CSOs can engage businesses as allies in promoting greater acceptance of LGBTIQ+ individuals in Macedonian society, gaining increased support and potential sources of funding.

David Pollard, Exec. Director of Workplace Pride Foundation

To illustrate practical methods for bridging the gap between CSOs and businesses, the discussion utilised the Workplace Pride Civil Society Toolkit. The toolkit highlighted how CSOs can effectively work with businesses on mutually beneficial terms.

According to Pollard’s assessment, both local businesses and LGBTIQ+ CSOs recognised the value of closer collaboration. This pioneering event marked a crucial first step in breaking down barriers in a region that has often displayed hesitation or hostility toward greater inclusion of LGBTIQ+ individuals in society.

The roundtable discussion at Europe House served as a catalyst for fostering a culture of inclusion at the workplace. By bringing together CSOs and businesses, the event laid the foundation for future collaborations that will drive positive change and enhance the acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people in North Macedonian society.

#WorkplacePride #LGBTIQ+Inclusion #InclusiveSociety

TNO Takes a Significant Step Forward by Signing the Declaration of Amsterdam, Reinforcing its Commitment to an Inclusive and Diverse Work Environment


Left Image Michiel Kolman Co-Chair Workplace Pride & Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi CEO TNO
Above Tjark Tjin-A-Tsoi CEO TNO, Michiel Kolman Co-Chair Workplace Pride, Remke Verdegem TNN, Anne-Fleur Veenstra Scientific Director TNO

TNO, a leading organisation in applied research, is proud to announce its momentous achievement of signing the Declaration of Amsterdam . This important step underscores TNO’s unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

The Declaration of Amsterdam, an innovative initiative that places responsibility for greater LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion on both employers and employees, marks a groundbreaking milestone for TNO. By actively involving the voices of the LGBTIQ+ community, this joint effort demonstrates a significant advancement towards creating an environment where every individual can embrace their true selves.

David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, shared his congratulations on TNO’s milestone: “Just as TNO is innovative in the field of applied research, the Declaration is innovative by giving responsibilities for greater LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion to employers and employees. This joint effort, which ensures that the voice of the LGBTIQ+ community is included, is a great step forward in creating workplaces where everyone can be themselves.”

TNO’s commitment to the Declaration of Amsterdam goes beyond mere symbolism. It reflects the organisation’s genuine dedication to upholding the rights and well-being of the LGBTIQ+ community within its ranks. As a research body in the Netherlands, TNO’s unwavering commitment speaks volumes about its integrity and its goal of establishing a workplace where every individual feels safe, respected, and valued.

By embracing diversity and championing authenticity, TNO sets an exemplary standard for other organisations to follow. Their actions not only solidify their position as a  leader in the academic community  but also serve as inspiration for cultivating workplaces that foster free expression and inclusivity.

Today, we join together in celebrating TNO’s remarkable achievement. Let us continue to strive for inclusivity and equality, ensuring that our workplaces are genuine reflections of the vibrant and diverse world we live in.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

About TNO:

TNO’s mission is to generate innovative solutions with demonstrable impact to achieve a safe, healthy, sustainable, and digital society and boost the earning power of the Netherlands. We aim to achieve this by performing two core tasks (roles). The first is to support the Dutch government in carrying out statutory government tasks in the public interest. TNO’s second core task is to strengthen the earning power of the Dutch economy and increase employment.

Access Valuable Resources from the Successful 2023 International Conference on LGBTIQ+ Workplace Inclusion!

The highly successful 2023 International Conference dedicated to advancing LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion worldwide has concluded, leaving behind a rich treasure trove of knowledge and insights. We are delighted to announce that the comprehensive round-up of information from this remarkable gathering is now available online, offering a wealth of valuable resources to empower individuals and organisations in their pursuit of inclusivity.

The dedicated webpage hosts a collection of resources that encapsulate the spirit and achievements of the conference. Delve into the presentations delivered by esteemed speakers, where innovative ideas and perspectives were shared. Gain insights from the key findings that emerged from thought-provoking discussions, guiding the way forward in the quest for workplace inclusivity.

Immerse yourself in the captivating photographs that vividly capture the essence of the event, providing a visual journey through the conference experience. Exclusive interviews with conference speakers offer deeper understanding and firsthand accounts of the challenges and triumphs in the realm of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

To encapsulate the highlights of the conference, a comprehensive wrap-up video has been crafted, presenting a dynamic overview of the key moments and takeaways. This video serves as a testament to the collective progress and unwavering dedication demonstrated during the conference.

The resources available on the dedicated webpage serve as a source of inspiration, guidance, and practical tools for shaping the future of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion. To access these valuable materials, simply visit here. We encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and networks, amplifying the impact and reach of the insights gained from the conference.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all conference participants for their active engagement and unwavering support in our shared mission. Together, we are making significant strides in fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

<insert 3 interview videos>

WORKPLACE PRIDE Expresses Strong Opposition to Uganda’s Harsh Anti-LGBTIQ+ Legislation, Highlighting Detrimental Effects on Work Environment

Workplace Pride strongly condemns the signing of Uganda’s new anti-LGBTIQ+ law by President Yoweri Museveni. The law, which includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and imposes severe penalties for same-sex relations, represents a significant setback for human rights and equality in Uganda

workplace pride foundation

We join voices with the entire Ugandan LGBTIQ+ community in expressing our deep concern and disappointment regarding this discriminatory legislation. The law not only legalizes state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia but also poses a threat to the fundamental rights and well-being of individuals in the LGBTIQ+ community and their allies.

Workplace Pride firmly believes that all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve equal rights, dignity, and protection under the law. We know from our member’s experience that workplaces where LGBTIQ+ people can be themselves, are more productive and beneficial for the employee and the employer. And in this sense we stand united with our partners, including Google, Microsoft, and other global companies, in opposing this draconian and discriminatory law.

Uganda’s new legislation not only infringes upon basic human rights but also has potential negative consequences for the country’s economy and international relationships. The concerns raised by the European Union, the United Nations human rights body, and other organizations are valid, highlighting the adverse impacts of this law on Ugandan society.

We call upon the Ugandan government to reconsider this law and engage in open dialogue with LGBTIQ+ advocates, civil society organizations, and the international community. By fostering understanding and embracing diversity, Uganda can work towards a more inclusive society that respects and protects the rights of all its citizens.

Furthermore, Workplace Pride urges neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania, to reject similar measures that promote discrimination and violate the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

As an international platform, Workplace Pride reaffirms its commitment to supporting LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace and beyond. We stand ready to collaborate with local LGBTIQ + organizations, international partners, and stakeholders to promote dialogue, education, and advocacy for LGBTIQ+ rights in Uganda and around the world.

Dutch Government Makes History by Endorsing Amsterdam Declaration, Paving the Way for LGBTIQ+ Inclusion in Workplaces

Workplace Pride Foundation’s Declaration of Amsterdam receives groundbreaking official endorsement

IDAHOTBIT, May 17th, 2023 – The Workplace Pride Foundation witnessed a momentous milestone as the Dutch government became the first national government employer globally to endorse the Declaration of Amsterdam. Created by the Workplace Pride Foundation in 2011, this historic endorsement signifies a groundbreaking action in advancing LGBTIQ+ empowerment and inclusion within work environments.

David Pollard, Executive Director of Workplace Pride, emphasised the Declaration of Amsterdam’s transformative potential, stating that it can bring about tangible change by establishing a framework for inclusive policies and practices. Such measures foster safe spaces where LGBTIQ+ employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, ultimately enhancing individual well-being and driving productivity, innovation, and overall organisational success.

Christine Holtkamp of Workplace Pride conversed with Boris Dittrich, human rights

activist, writer, and politician, discussing the (inter)national developments in the field of LGBTIQ+ discrimination and emancipation. Furthermore, Christine spoke with Professor Dr Jojanneke van der Toorn of LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion at Leiden University, about the significance of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the workplace and the scientific research she is doing around this topic for Workplace Pride. In addition, Marjan Hammersma, Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science (OCW), shared her perspective on the importance of LGBTIQ+ inclusion within the government. She emphasized that there is also work to be done in the area of LGBTIQ+ inclusion in the overseas territories (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, Saba, St. Maarten, Curaçao and Aruba).

Secretary General Maarten Schurink of the Ministry of the Interior and Dutch Kingdom Relations, representing the government with its 140,000 employees, affixed his signature to the Declaration. Speaking about the significance of this commitment, Schurink stated, “Our goal is to create a comfortable work environment where individuals can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities for all, regardless of origin, gender, or orientation. While numerous employee-driven initiatives foster inclusivity, this formal endorsement demonstrates our clear ambition and holds us accountable to our employees.”

David Pollard, Director of Workplace Pride, emphasised the far-reaching impact of the endorsement, not only within the government workforce but also nationally and internationally. This significant step sets an inspiring precedent for other governments to prioritise LGBTIQ+ workplace inclusion.

Prominent representatives from government departments, including Marjan Hammersma (Secretary General of the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science), Carsten Herstel (Director General of Social Security and Integration at SZW), and Nanette van Schelven (Director General of Customs at Fin), were present at the signing ceremony.

The Declaration of Amsterdam has already garnered support from over 50 major employers, including Utrecht, Amsterdam, and The Hague municipalities, as well as Accenture, CISCO, PWC, Shell, ASML, Philips, Microsoft, KLM, and Nike. With the Dutch government’s endorsement, the Declaration’s impact is set to resonate even further, heralding a new era of LGBTQ+ inclusion in workplaces nationwide and inspiring organisations worldwide to follow suit.

KLM and Young@Workplace Pride Co-Host Successful IDAHOTBIT Event Focused on Role Models

Powerful stories of inspiration and inclusivity showcased during remarkable event

In a resounding success at Schiphol, KLM and Young@Workplace Pride joined forces to host a highly impactful event centred around the influential concept of role models. The event delved into the significance of embracing one’s authentic self and unveiled awe-inspiring examples of individuals unintentionally becoming beacons of inspiration by staying true to their identities.

“IDAHOBIT is one of the most important days for our community, and this year we are focusing on role models and mentoring with Young@Workplace Pride. In addition, KLM recently launched the reverse mentoring program on Diversity & Inclusion, which gave us valuable insights that we wanted to share with a global community. Diversity & Inclusion is a joint journey where Workplace Pride unites and inspires us!” expressed Thom Widdershoven, AirFrance KLM HR & Sustainability executive and Board Member of KLM Over the Rainbow.

The event’s highlight was undoubtedly KLM’s groundbreaking reverse mentorship program, creating a platform for individuals to connect across the organisation. This pioneering initiative fostered an environment of knowledge exchange, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and the exploration of invaluable ideas.

The event served as a powerful platform to recognize and celebrate the exceptional role models who ignite inspiration, empowering others to embrace their true identities. By fostering an environment where personal growth is nurtured through shared experiences, KLM further cements its commitment to cultivating diversity, authenticity, and a strong sense of belonging.

Guest speaker Yuli Kim, Program Director of Workplace Pride, engaged the attendees by discussing vital topics such as queer mentoring, pronouns, and the pivotal role of positive role models within the LGBTIQI+ community. Kim urged participants to reflect upon their personal journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and the individuals who have inspired them along the way.

“Today, we give a voice to embracing diversity and shed light on topics not often discussed in daily business. We need to create a sense of belonging, especially with a new generation entering the workforce. With Workplace Pride, we stand together and understand that a collective message is vital to drive change and create impact,” emphasised Maral Arikan, Board Member and Lead of the Young@Workplace Community.

Let us continue to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the profound influence of role models as we strive to create a world that embraces everyone’s authentic selves, free from discrimination or prejudice. ❤️?????  

#RoleModels #DiversityandInclusion #KLM #WorkplacePride  #idahobit2023 #mentoring #storytelling #community #pride #overtherainbow  #empowerment

Photos Ruud Rozevink & Joost van der Sande

Building a More Inclusive Socio-Economic Environment for LGBTIQ+ in the Philippines

Workplace Pride brought together the Business community and Civil Society organizations in Manila for a productive dialogue on LGBTIQ+ inclusion. The discussions revealed the invisible spaces and communities that intersected in significant ways and exposed the areas needing bold collaboration to define better what Socio-Economic Development means for LGBTIQ+ people of the Philippines. 

The five-hour event was hosted by IBM and brought over 25 representatives from the Business Community and Civil Society organizations, including Student organizations, to tackle the theme Building a More Inclusive Socio-Economic Environment for LGBTIQ+ in the Philippines.

Cristine Breva, Workplace Pride Regional Lead for Asia and event moderator, welcomed everyone. She then introduced Raul Hular, Project Manager of Yayasan Hivos, who spoke briefly to give the audience an overview of the Free to Be Me Program. After that, the Dutch Ambassador, Marielle Geraedts, made her opening remarks, followed by a welcome message from IBM’s Client Delivery Center Leader for Business Process Operations, Long Inton. Graham Sparks, Workplace Pride Project Manager, then proceeded to provide the group with an orientation of Workplace Pride, their mission and why Workplace Pride is prioritizing creating spaces to discuss socio-economic development.

Graham then presented the Civil Society Toolkit – a guide to support civil society organizations in their business interactions. Introductions and an audience discussion on stereotypes and challenges was facilitated shortly after. 

Breakout discussions on socio-economic development for the LGBTIQ+ communities in the Philippines followed after lunch. Representatives detailed their experiences and views on where the work lies further to push the inclusion and socio-economic development for the LGBTIQ+ agenda. Finally, a panel discussion on bridging the gaps between business and civil society occurred with good audience participation. Graham and Cristine made closing remarks and reminded the attendees that the day’s conversations were only the beginning, to expect more collaborations, and to keep the conversation going.

This event was made accessible to Deaf attendees through sign language interpreters.

For more information on Workplace Pride’s contribution to the F2BM program, please contact [email protected] 

Click here to view the full report of “Building a More Inclusive Socio-Economic Environment for LGBTIQ+ in the Philippines”:

Click below to download Report

Trans+@Workplacepride community “Gender Euphoria: What is Trans Joy?” hybrid workshop 30 March 2023

20 April 2023

“It’s not the big things but the little things that make life valuable.”

The five designated Workplace Pride Communities regularly host events to connect our members and learn from each other. On Thursday, 30 March, the Trans+@Workplacepride Community organized this workshop with the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, part of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, to bring extra attention to the International Transgender Day of Visibility on 31 March.

Trans Joy is also shining in front of the (online) audience

The context of the workshop

In these times of anti-transgender sentiments, it is essential to make positive voices heard. The panel discussion-shaped workshop was aimed to highlight the positive aspects of being transgender. Unfortunately, too much attention on the trans+ experience in the media is focused on the negative aspects. Not only is this evident from the term “gender dysphoria”, which carries the negative dys- prefix, as is it emphasized by the medical community, pop culture, or academia. While that focus is indeed needed to bring attention to and help with pressing issues, the risk is that the community might let itself be defined by this negative sentiment. However, for many, there is a lot of joy in truly living as yourself. A more appropriate term describing this positive, forward-looking view would be gender euphoria. For the trans+ community, this can come from bodily experience, physical presentation, social relationships, inclusion, and cultural representation, similar to cis people’s affirmation of their identities.

Marjolein Verkouter kicks off the workshop

Introduction of the workshop

The workshop was introduced by Marjolein Verkouter (she/her) – A trans woman and head of Technical Operations and R&D Joint Institute for VLBI ERIC. Marjolein gave more meaning to the term dysphoria and shared her personal story. Dysphoria comes from the old Greek “dys”, meaning heavy and “pherein” to bear: so heavy to bear. Without a noun it doesn’t even mean anything. Gender dysphoria is a thing: finding your gender hard to bear. From this explanation, I like to take the leap to the other end of the spectrum, namely the concept of euphoria. Gender Euphoria is the term used to indicate that a person is feeling well, feeling comfortable and healthy. Of course, “something” was the matter: I was not feeling well! Living a depressed and retracted life. And I am not alone. Some big problems and challenges need attention, such as; social acceptance, recognition, active support from healthcare professionals and active support from employers. From the day in 2021 when I stepped out of our front door as myself, all the years of depression fell off my shoulders. That is when I realized I really don’t want to look back. Even though what you are looking at and what you’re hearing has not received any help: no psychological help, no financial help, no medical help. 

I have only been on the waiting list since 2021. The fine print is that I am very privileged. I grew up in the Netherlands as a Dutch white male. That is a stable social environment, having access to education, and even making a career before transitioning. But it is safe to say I have been genuinely experiencing euphoria ever since. 


From left to right:  Sophie Jeckmans, Kaye Candaza, Dylan Drenk and Savannah Fischer 

The excellent panel went on to discuss the topic what Gender Euphoria – Trans Joy means, what the implications are, and what can be done at work and in social reality. 

Personal experiences and favourite stories of Trans Joy
Trans Joy = human joy and is in the small details and in significant changes. Being called out to you in the desired gender identity: “Hey girl, how are you doing?” is already a fantastic start. And then the support of your parents, who embrace and accept you and try to listen carefully to you and share their “new” daughter or son with the world. Transgender persons want to live an everyday social life just like everyone else. Trans persons also live an ordinary “boring” life, running errands and going to work. The bottom line is that you hope the world around you will look at you similarly. It helps tremendously to have role models, in the media, at work and in society. This makes you think, I can be that too, and then stepping over the threshold suddenly becomes more manageable. Even taking hormones can give you joy because you experience the burdens and the happiness in your new gender identity. It is a complex but good exercise to let go of negative aspects, such as a voice that does not fit the gender. Constantly focusing on such issues causes unnecessary energy loss. Helping others in their search can also give you much positivity. This is supported by some panellists in feeling like a mother figure for the community. Trans Joy is also supporting LBTI refugee women in their new motherland. Even though it is still a long problematic journey, from the seemingly impossible to the possible, everyone on the panel wants to emphasize that each individual is only too happy to continue this journey.

The hot topics of the workshop

Impactful Stories for the Workplace

A healthy and safe workplace is essential for everyone. For this, there needs to be a good foundation based on equality, listening to each other and mutual understanding. Not so long ago, being transgender was referred to as a disorder. Fortunately, according to the DSM 5, Gender Dysphoria is no longer considered a mental illness. This paves the way for society and organizations to begin the dialogue about the representation of transgender people in an organization. Trans joy can also be experienced by not being a burden. For example, when it’s seamless to transform name and gender in the administration. However, this shouldn’t spark joy; this should be the norm. A well-founded self-id system, based on the 3 pillars of access, promotion and protection, is beneficial. A global well-being program could also help in actually understanding the needs and desires of transgender people. This requires the will of HR, D&I and the (senior) leadership to serve and support everyone in the organization and then to do so with the correct and appropriate service and support. 

Good news 

On Thursday, March 30 – 2023, Niels Mulder, president of the Dutch Association for Psychiatry (NVvP) addressed an expression of regret for the harm done to people with LGBTIQ+ identities in the past. This was based on the belief at the time that being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer was an illness that needed treatment.
Read the entire statement of regret here

Missing puzzle piece for parents: from son, to child to daughter

The future of the discussion of transgender people in society and the workplace
“Give it time and be patient”.
 Every journey begins with small steps and can then begin to grow and bloom. Remember, policy-making always starts with individuals. Put the organization’s policies and guidelines against a critical yardstick. Do you have policies, and do they work? Are the measures in an organization for transgender people compliant with daily practice? Ensure that HR, D&I and representatives of the target group (ERGs) are conversing with senior management and asking for accurate support to further develop and implement policies. And ensure the policy is compliant with local legislation. And again, a big shout out to getting transgender role models to speak, or if you don’t have role models in your organization, “fly” someone from another organization in. Workplace Pride can assist with this if needed.

Answers to questions from the room and online

Click here to view the video of the event.

Insights Into Supplier Inclusion & Diversity Re-cap

29 March 2023

Thank you to everyone who attended the “Insights Into Supplier Inclusion & Diversity” event on March 16th, 2023, at the beautiful Royal Groote Industrieele Club in Amsterdam and online around the world. This event was co-hosted by the BeNeLux LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber and Workplace Pride, and was made possible with generous support from EGLCC, the European LGBTIQ Chamber of CommerceGGLBC, the German LGBTIQ+ Business Chamber, and The Roze Ambassade.

There were more than 75 participants in attendance, which demonstrates the importance of this topic to Workplace Pride members, and entrepreneurs in the BeNeLux business community.

A special thank you to the following speakers for their knowledge and expertise:

This event, moderated by Workplace Pride Executive Director David Pollard, gave specific insight and unique perspectives from businesses, large and small.

As 52% of individuals want to work for a company with a Supplier Inclusion and Diversity program, the key message of this event is clear – our European business community in BeNeLux and beyond is eager and ready to dive deeper into this topic. The session showed that large corporations have a great deal to offer smaller LGBTIQ+ owned businesses when working together in a mutually-beneficial way. Likewise, it was demonstrated that corporations can benefit immensely by having closer business contacts with LGBTIQ+ entrepreneurs.

If you could not attend the event or are looking for additional recourses, please see below:


For a recording of the event, please click here

To download the presentation, please click below:

‘Tech’ and ‘Academia’ @WorkplacePride visit The Green Village – TU Delft, 15 February 2023 – “Diversity in the Built Environment”

The five designated Workplace Pride Communities regularly host events to connect our members and learn from each other. On Wednesday, 15 February 2023, Tech@WP and Academia@WP combined their efforts in a single event hosted at the Green Village of the TU Delft. At The Green Village, knowledge and educational institutions, entrepreneurs, government bodies, and citizens can research, experiment, validate, and demonstrate their sustainable innovations in the built environment. This informative event offered participants the opportunity to meet other Workplace Pride members from tech industry and academia alike. It was also a great opportunity for TU Delft to increase its visibility among the LGBTIQ+ community in general, and to contribute to awareness about the topic on their campus. 

Each of the three speakers spoke about Diversity & Inclusion within TUDelft; the significance of architecture for the LGBTQ+ community; and how to connect climate change and sustainability; including through social structures.

David Keyson D&I Officer TU Delft kicked things off with the statements that “If you are not explicitly working on diversity, you are being exclusive” and “If we aren’t intersectional, some of us, the most vulnerable are going to fall through the cracks”.  With this he immediately set the tone for why equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is important within TUDelft. Keyson said “We believe that EDI is the right thing to do. It is our moral dutyto be equally accessible to all. It is also our responsibility to offer an inclusive campus where everyone can take part in the organisation and feel they belong”. “Equity, diversity and inclusion enhances wellbeing, which is required for optimal creativity and productivity and therefore enriches innovation and the societal impactof our university. Moreover, diversity is broadly recognised as a valuable asset that provides a pathway for world class research and innovation, and strengthens our commitment to excellence. TU Delft seeks to develop the expertise of tomorrow’s engineering leaders. By providing for an inclusive environment and developing basic principles and skills for equity, diversity and inclusion we enable students positive change in their communities through their professional and personal leadership, we expect our engineers to become inclusive leaders and contribute to social coherence in society in the future.”

Nothing about us without us”

Download David Keyson’s entire presentation below

Dr.ir. Dirk van den Heuvel is a professor of architecture and urbanism at TU Delft. He has written extensively on the topic of queer architecture, which refers to the ways in which architecture can reflect and contribute to queer culture and identity. Van den Heuvel argues that architecture is not neutral, but rather deeply intertwined with cultural and societal norms and values. He contends that traditional, heteronormative architecture reinforces binary gender roles and reinforces oppressive power structures. Queer architecture, on the other hand, seeks to challenge these norms and create spaces that are more inclusive and welcoming to people of all genders and sexual orientations. This can take many different forms, from designing spaces that are more fluid and adaptable to creating buildings that challenge traditional notions of beauty and aesthetics. Van den Heuvel also argues that queer architecture can have important political and social implications. By creating spaces that are more welcoming and inclusive to queer people, architecture can help to challenge and subvert dominant power structures and create more equitable and just societies. Overall, van den Heuvel’s work on queer architecture highlights the importance of considering the ways in which architecture can reflect and shape cultural norms and values, and encourages architects to create spaces that are more inclusive and reflective of the diversity of human experience.

Download Dr. ir. Dirk van den Heuvel’s entire presentation here

Prof.dr.ir. Andy van den Dobbelsteen, is a Dutch architect, researcher, and professor of Climate Design and Sustainability at the Delft University of Technology. He is known for his research and innovation in sustainable building design, particularly in the areas of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and circular building materials. Van den Dobbelsteen has been involved in numerous research projects and initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable building practices. He has also collaborated with various organisations, including governments, industry partners, and academic institutions, to develop innovative solutions for sustainable building design. Van den Dobbelsteen indicates that climate change hits us all, but the impact is not divided equally or righteously, not between regions, not between rich and poor, not between genders. Therefore, he emphasises: ”Those who are responsible and who have the means, they should help others in solidarity”. He therefore ended his engaging lecture with the encouraging words: “Key for social sustainability is connecting, and thus connecting between all groups in society, within and without certain groups, acknowledging differences and helping each other”.

Download Andy van den Dobbelsteen’s entire presentation here

The visit was concluded with a tour of the Green Village, where experienced students guided the participants through this unique field lab at the centre of the TU Delft Campus. The research at the Green Village focuses on the implementation of sustainable solutions in the urban environment and exploring the implications on neighbourhood, street and building aspects. The Green Village is a place where people live, work and learn, beyond standard rules and regulations. With access to the innovation ecosystem of the TU Delft, science is literally around the corner.

Click here to view all photos of the event.

Click here to view the video of the event.

Click here to read the subtitles of the video.