Purple Friday with Dolly Bellefleur

On Friday, December 13, we organized a special program for students of the Haarlem College and the Kaj Munk College (Hoofddorp) on the occasion of Purple Friday. Purple Friday is a day on which people show their solidarity with gay and bisexual, lesbian and transgender youth by wearing the color purple. It is a moment to reflect on the acceptance of the LGBT+ community and the challenges that young people in this community experience on a daily basis.

The day was opened by none other than Dolly Bellefleur, who, with her impressive 35 years of activism, gave a tour of the exhibition Let love rule – Dolly Bellefleur 35 years on the barricades. Her exhibition brings not only her own stories to life, but also those of the broader LGBT+ community.

Purple Friday is a day that is becoming increasingly important, especially given the increasing opposition that schools in the Netherlands are experiencing. Research by NOS Stories shows that more and more secondary schools are confronted with resistance and counter-reactions to Purple Friday, which only emphasizes the urgency of this day.

All the more reason to pay extra attention to the themes that are still of great importance: inclusivity, discrimination and safety in the classroom. After the tour, Dolly, together with Jolanda Leferik of COC Kennemerland and Marjolein van Haaften of Discriminatie Kennemerland, talked to the pupils and teachers. What is happening at schools now to create a safe environment for everyone, and what can be improved? How can we ensure that young people really feel accepted and safe in their own environment?

We hope that this day will not only raise awareness, but also encourage action, so that together we can create a society in which love always reigns.