Students ask for attention for diversity: “You must be able to be yourself, always

Is diversity fully embraced everywhere? Then it would no longer be necessary to draw attention to it. Unfortunately, we're not there yet. Many schools in the Netherlands have active GSAs: groups that believe everyone should be able to be themselves. The abbreviation stands for Gender and Sexuality Alliance and students are also active at Summa.

"At our school, everything revolves around acceptance and respect," says second-year student Gino de Beer. He's twenty years old and studies Social Work at Summa Healthcare & Welfare. "Last year, I gave guest lectures on diversity at our school. Discussions then arose about the benefits of a GSA. Why should we discuss differences in sexual orientation and a positive school climate for everyone? I then explain that we regularly see that this remains important and necessary. It's good to raise awareness."

"In fact, I sometimes think it's needed more than ever lately," says trainee teacher Jonah de Winter. Figures from sources including the Municipal Health Service (GGD) confirm this perception. They show that social acceptance of sexual and gender diversity still leaves much to be desired. "Homophobia, violence, and discrimination are in the news almost daily. Let's at least ensure that everyone feels safe at our school by increasing mutual understanding in an accessible way."

"Many people don't know what it's like to be excluded or what it feels like to have to come out," explains teacher Inge Meesters. "How wonderful it would be if it were all normalized someday; that no one would worry about sexual orientation, sex, or gender identity anymore. Everyone has a place. I would applaud it if every school had a GSA. It's important that the initiative comes from students, not so much from strategic ambitions or ideological staff. We facilitate and contribute ideas, but the students carry the organization. And then you see how wonderful it is when things emerge from practice, from their perspectives. So that we can one day say: the whole GSA phenomenon has become redundant. That's what we're aiming for."

Student Gino effortlessly lists recent incidents, including those in our own region. "It's all very sad and hurtful. We say: you should be able to be yourself, always. Our doors are open to anyone who wants to talk to us about it. And anyone who wants to can join us. Our group is very diverse, and everyone is welcome."

Teacher Inge listens proudly. “What an honor it is to be part of this. I sometimes think there's too much shouting for attention. Dressed provocatively on a pleasure boat, a famous Dutch person in attendance… I think GSAs do it better. By opening up the conversation and constantly emphasizing the importance of mutual respect.” The movement is still in its infancy at Summa. Jonah: “We're currently developing a vision for our GSA. And we organize meetings, very accessible drop-in opportunities.” And then, of course, there are the activities, like last week's Purple Friday. “Painting nails purple, wearing that color to school, good conversations, games: nice and casual, but very visible. At our stalls, we talked about respect, a safe environment, empathy: important values we should all share.”

Negative attitudes exist within every community, including schools. If everyone were equally tolerant, the GSA wouldn't have to bother. "I wish everyone would look beyond their own nose," says Gino. "Broaden your horizons. That's good for you, for everyone. It's true that not everyone is like you. As a person and as a professional, you encounter so many different people throughout your life. Get used to it."