Purple Friday 2025

One of the speakers is former lecturer and program developer in the field of sexuality and intimacy, Mathieu Heemelaar: “It is important that students not only gain knowledge, but also learn how to deal with these themes professionally and respectfully.” 

Mathieu worked for 33 years in the programs SPH, Social Work, Pedagogy, and Teacher Training. Throughout his career, Mathieu always paid attention to sexuality and sexual diversity. “Over time, we made significant progress in the acceptance and visibility of LGBTIQ+ people, but many challenges remain. Students must learn how to create an inclusive environment so that everyone can be themselves”, he says. 

From Generation to Generation 

During the event, Mathieu will give an intergenerational lecture on how gay emancipation over the past hundred years evolved into LGBTIQ+ emancipation. This ties in with the minor Sexuality and Diversity, which offers a broad perspective on sexual and gender diversity and addresses topics such as sexual education and professional skills for social work and education. Mathieu: “By sharing this kind of knowledge and practical examples, we prepare students to create a safe and inclusive environment in their profession. We want to pass this knowledge on from generation to generation.” 

Stay Visible 

On the importance of Purple Friday, Mathieu says: “After years of progress in acceptance, we have seen a slight backlash in recent years. Discussions about gender and sexual rights show that it remains important to be visible and to pay attention to social safety.” During the event, students, staff, and visitors are invited to wear purple and actively engage in conversations about inclusion and diversity. 

Inclusion Is Never Finished 

By sharing knowledge, making experiences discussable, and training future professionals through minors such as Sexuality and Diversity, THUAS contributes to a culture in which respect, equality, and safety are central. 

Chair of the Executive Board, Elisabeth Minnemann: “THUAS stands for an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves, every single day. Purple Friday reminds us of the importance of visibility, support, and connection for the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a wonderful initiative that started in education and is gradually becoming a permanent part of many institutions. I am proud of our colleagues who once again created a beautiful and meaningful program. We have already made great progress, but inclusion is never ‘finished’, it requires continuous attention, commitment, and collaboration. Together we make our community a little safer, warmer, and fairer every day.” 

Program 

On Thursday, December 12, The Lighthouse, in collaboration with the minor Sexuality and Diversity, will host a program with lectures (by Mathieu), performances, and workshops. On Friday, December 13, everyone is welcome at the meeting place in the Atrium between 11:00 and 15:00. Volunteers from BO-Diversity will be present with their WHIP bus and the exhibition Taboo Tabee. You can view the full program for Thursday and Friday here.