LGBTQIA+

At the EUR, we support the LGBTQIA+ community. The abbreviation consists of terms that are used to describe people’s experiences of gender, sexuality or sexual orientation, and physiological sex characteristics: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual. The plus sign stands for the fact that this acronym is evolving and includes many more terms.

A more thorough explanation of gender can be found here.

Sexual orientation refers to our attraction (physical, romantic, and/or emotional) to people. This attraction can be towards people of the same or different genders. Some examples of sexual orientations are asexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, or straight, but there are many more sexual orientations. Furthermore, sexual orientation can be fluid, meaning that it changes over time .  

People with an intersex experience are also included within the LGBTQIA+ community. People with an intersex experience are born with sex characteristics that do not fit the typical binary idea of the male or female body. They often experience stigmatization, discrimination, and human rights violations. 

As a whole, the LGBTQIA+ community faces unique and specific challenges, such as abuse, bullying, and implicit or explicit discrimination  that require targeted and dedicated support. 
The EUR is committed to make the university a safe space for both students and staff to express their sexuality in a way that feels fitting for them, without the fear of being excluded. 

It is important to note that ideas about what it means to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community are constantly evolving. We want everyone to be able to recognize themselves in the text above. If you do not feel this way, please contact us via ideacenter@eur.nl.