1. Purple Friday Newspaper
Goois Lyceum focuses on inclusivity at school throughout the year, centred on the theme of Relationships and sexuality. Around Purple Friday, the school makes an extra effort. For years, the school has used the Purple Friday Newspaper. Teacher Marian explains how the newspaper, together with activities, helps: “We notice that young people are increasingly talking about gender and sexuality.” Read the interview with Marian about Purple Friday in the classroom.
2. Gender and Sexuality Alliance
Like Marian, teacher Wilson from Corderius College believes it is important for students to take the initiative themselves for inclusivity. He guides the students in the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). A GSA is a group that students can set up themselves, and this is already done at many schools. Purple Friday is the GSA’s main day of action. “Last year, after Purple Friday, a colleague said enthusiastically: ‘There has never been so much attention for diversity at school.’ The reactions from students and parents are also predominantly positive. Great fun!” Read more from Wilson and his story about Purple Friday at a Christian school.
3. Showing solidarity with LGBTQ+ people
Lucas, who was a student at Harens Lyceum at the time, explained in an interview what Purple Friday means to him: “It makes me very happy! It’s really great to see everyone wearing purple, including teachers; it makes you feel even more comfortable with a teacher when you know that you can completely be yourself.” Purple Friday is also genuinely a celebration, with anonymous questions submitted through the question box, purple wristbands, painting nails – purple, of course – and more. Curious about what else the school does on Purple Friday and why? Read the interview with Lucas: ‘Safety and acceptance make a school inclusive’.
4. Low-threshold activities
Hofstad Lyceum also has a GSA. During open days and at the start of the school year, new students are introduced to it. This is done in an accessible way. Taking part in Purple Friday is also an accessible way to focus on sexual and gender diversity. At Hofstad Lyceum, Purple Friday is a fun and large celebration that nevertheless gets students thinking. Student Favsta and teacher Flemming explain how they talk about gender and sexuality at school.
5. Check whether the school climate is safe and inclusive
You cannot create a safe and inclusive school climate all at once, and you also have to keep working on it. Purple Friday provides an opportunity to take another careful look at the state of the school climate. Could it be improved, for example? At Stichting School & Veiligheid, you can find a useful infographic. It identifies six factors that are important for a safe and inclusive school climate with respect for sexual and gender diversity. Healthy School also offers guidance for a safe and inclusive school climate.
6. Greater awareness of sexual and gender diversity
Purple Friday is a great opportunity to focus on sexual and gender diversity. Would you like not to limit this to one day a year, but to communicate throughout the year that everyone is welcome? Healthy School has information and tips on the theme of Relationships and sexuality. View them for primary education, special education, secondary education or senior secondary vocational education.