Share experiences with other students with whom you feel connected

There are several ways you can organise as students, depending on the needs at hand. A number of colleges and universities have already established GSA (Gender & Sexuality) committees. These are organised from within the students themselves, often from a specific programme or department. A Pride community is another way to connect transgender and gender-diverse students. These groups are facilitated by the educational institution where students, and in some cases staff, who identify with the lhbti+ community can join. The participants of a Pride community commit to this community within the educational institution. There are already many examples of educational institutions that have a Pride community, which are fulfilled in different ways.

The main functions of an lhbti+ committee are:

• Facilitating contact with like-minded people for support and the exchange of experience and knowledge.
• Opening the conversation between students and education professionals on topics important to inclusivity, social climate and school safety.
• Contributing to the visibility of marginalised groups and the challenges they face on a daily basis. For example, by paying attention to so-called awareness days.

For inspiration, take a look at the web pages of the following Pride communities and GSA committees: 

• HvA Pride, University of Applied Sciences Amsterdam.
• Th!nk with Pride, UTwente.
• Erasmus Pride, Erasmus University.
• Fontys Pride, University of Applied Sciences Fontys.
• Student Pride Amsterdam, co-operation between the universities and the universities of applied sciences of Amsterdam.
• GSA Hogeschool Utrecht.
• GSA University of Applied Sciences Leiden.
• GSA University of Amsterdam.

Want to set up or facilitate an lhbti+ committee at school?

Do you want to set up or facilitate an lbhti+ committee? The Transgender Network supports education professionals, transgender and gender diverse students in doing so. For more information, contact them at: onderwijs@transgendernetwerk.nl.

Tips for education professionals

Gender diversity, the different ways students experience and express their gender, is not naturally a topic that receives adequate attention. Also, the barriers, which transgender and gender diverse students experience during their education, are not always visible to education professionals. The Guide to Gender Diversity in Higher Education (Dutch) helps education professionals with insights into perceived barriers with practical tips on:

• A gender inclusive and safe learning environment
• Student well-being and psychological complaints
• Study delay, absenteeism and financial support
• Internship and work
• Providing information inside and outside the educational institution.

Please also point your dean or teacher to this handout.