For a diverse and inclusive society
For a diverse and inclusive society
COC Groningen & Drenthe actively promotes a diverse and inclusive society. We stand up for the emancipation, acceptance, and equal rights of LGBTQIA+ people.

This is what we stand for
Our vision
We believe in a world where everyone can be themselves in freedom and safety. Where you can love who you want. Where everyone can participate and people have the opportunity to develop their full potential, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and gender characteristics. In the Netherlands and the rest of the world. Because everybody deserves this.
We actively strive for emancipation, acceptance, and equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people in The Netherlands and the rest of the world. COC incentivizes people from the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies to work together in many areas, with a particular focus on young people and education, LGBTQIA+ rights and interests, international relations, culture and religion, over-50s, queer people of colour, safety, healthcare, workplaces, and lifestyles.
Our story
Founded in 1946, COC is currently the oldest existing LGBTQIA+ advocacy group in the world. It goes without saying that we would have loved our organisation to have been redundant by now, but the truth is that our efforts are still very much needed. For instance, seven out of ten LGBTQIA+ people experience physical or verbal violence during their lifetime, simply because of who they are; moreover, being LGBTQIA+ is still considered a criminal offence in almost 70 countries. Within the Netherlands, COC encompasses twenty regional associations, which means there is always a COC close to you.
Our work
We are here to ensure that LGBTQIA+ people are heard. Amplifying your voices, we are committed to bringing about change. But, we can only achieve this by working together. For instance, we are working with students to make schools safer, and, together with international activists, we join the fight for equal rights. We make sure that your voices are heard in politics and in the media. Connecting people and offering practical solutions, we have achieved tangible results and continue to bring about crucial changes.
Our results
By working together, we have achieved success in the field of emancipation, acceptance and equal rights, such as gay marriage, LGBTQIA+ on the school curriculum, and a legal prohibition on discrimination against members of the community. In the Netherlands, LGBTQIA+ people are viewed in a much more positive light since the past few decades. Moreover, we are supporting LGBTQIA+ activists in over thirty-five countries. Is this not enough? Unfortunately not: the Netherlands is no longer part of the top countries on the so-called Rainbow Map, and in many countries members of the LGBTQIA+ community are
persecuted and imprisoned. Therefore, we still very much need your help!
COC & Safety
We want everyone in Groningen and Drenthe to feel that they can be themselves, without fear or shame. We are building towards a region where LGBTQIA+ people feel safe. A place where, as a queer person, you can be who you want to be, you can express yourself, and where you can show your love for your partner when and wherever you want. Every citizen of Groningen and Drenthe has a right to work, exercise, go out, grow up and, simply, to live in safety.
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Have you experienced anything you wish to share? Would you like to talk to someone, report anything to us, are you considering filing a police statement and need our help?
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You can get in touch with our safety coordinator via the button below.
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You can also leave a voice message in our inbox, via 0031-(0)503132620​
COC & Integrity
COC Netherlands and the united COC associations and Expreszo adhere to a federation-wide Code of Conduct.
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The Code of Conduct encompasses:
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Workplace policies
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Reporting procedures
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Confidential advisors
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Independent complaints commission
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Hereby, we strive to improve good conduct and offer a safe space for all.
Please visit the website of COC Nederland for more information.


