Marian van der Klein, Laurens Buijs, “Alliances Between Gays and Straights as National Policy”
Wednesday, 11 March 2015, 17:30-19:00 CET
Universiteitsbibliotheek
Doelenzaal
Singel 425
1012 WP
Amsterdam
Since 2007, the Dutch government has financed national Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA’s): collaborations between lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ+) organizations on the one hand, and mainstream organizations on the other. The minister of education invited several organizations to form these GSA’s. Goal: to stimulate social acceptance of sexual diversity in important ‘living domains’ of society, such as the workplace, neighborhood, care and sports through the alliances. The Verwey-Jonker Institute and the University of Amsterdam evaluated the policy, and the most important results will be presented in this lecture. What is the logic behind this approach, and does this lead to concrete results that are different than existing policy to enhance LGBT acceptance?
Marian van der Klein is senior researcher at the Verwey-Jonker Institute. She holds a Phd from the University of Amsterdam and published, among other things, on GLBT-issues in the workplace, gay-straight alliances and is currently preparing a research project on coming out strategies of bicultural LGBTQ+’s.
Laurens Buijs (b. 1982) is a Dutch social scientist, known for his work on gender, sexuality, and diversity. He lectured at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) from 2006 to 2023, where his research focused on critical studies of power, identity, and social justice. Buijs is recognized for his outspoken views on LGBTQ+ rights and social equity, often participating in public debates about inclusion and the role of academia in addressing societal inequalities. His work blends academic rigor with a strong commitment to activism and progressive change, producing numerous essays, research reports, opinion pieces, articles, and written lectures.
Buijs’s critical stance on certain progressive policies, particularly regarding the intersection of identity politics and academic freedom, has sparked significant public discussions. He has been a vocal critic of what he views as the overreach of ideological conformity in universities, arguing for a more balanced approach to addressing social issues. His contributions continue to influence conversations on diversity and equality in both academic and activist circles.