“You don't have to understand everything to treat each other with respect”

On May 17, the APG logo on the websites will be colored rainbow, symbolizing diversity and inclusion. The reason: IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism, and Transphobia. An important day, also within APG. DEI Officer Maikel Dullens explains why.

"IDAHOBIT is about visibility and awareness," Maikel explains. "It is an international day to draw attention to the discrimination that LGBTQIA+ people still face. Not only in laws and regulations but also in society. And that attention is very much needed."

For Maikel, the day is also important to him personally. "I identify as queer, and when I was younger, I struggled a lot with that," he shares openly. "Homophobic language was regularly used in my environment. Phrases like 'gays should be hanged from trees' and 'if one of my children is gay, I don't know if they would still be welcome at home' hit me hard. Such statements – even if not always meant seriously – hurt. As a result, I struggled for a long time to accept my own identity."

Concerns
Although progress has been made in terms of acceptance, Maikel is concerned about current developments worldwide. "Online hate is increasing, and in some countries, the rights of LGTBQIA+ people are actually regressing. My partner is American and non-binary, but non-binary people are no longer recognized by the US government. That's  painful. It really affects you when your home country says: you don't exist."

In daily life, Maikel and his partner sometimes struggle to be themselves: "We are cautious with affection in public. For example, when my partner visits family and we say goodbye at Schiphol airport. We are very aware of our surroundings and know that a simple hug or kiss can already trigger negative reactions."

To let members of the LGBTQIA+ community know that they are seen and welcome at APG, APG will change the logo to the colorful rainbow variant on May 17. "This day was chosen in consultation with the Proud Community within APG. It’s a request from the employees themselves. We can't  cover all theme days, but  some meaningful moments – like IDAHOBIT – deserve extra attention."

Developments
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a strategic theme within APG, which is being addressed in various ways this year. Our communities play an active role in this, such as our Proud network: "Last year, the network organized LGBTQIA+ awareness training sessions. This year, there is again a lot planned. For example, around Pride Month, there will be an exhibition on identity at our office in Amsterdam, in collaboration with other tenants. A personal branding workshop is also part of that program."

Additionally, the partnership with Workplace Pride – an organization that helps companies become more inclusive – has been extended again this year. "That collaboration gives us insight into where we stand and where we can still grow." Maikel himself is also taking actions. He is e.g. setting up a dialogue session for LGBTQIA+ colleagues.

Maikel is also proud of the fact that a guideline is being developed within APG for employees undergoing gender transition. "That guideline provides tools for both the employee and the manager to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Not only practical matters such as administrative changes are addressed, but also how and when to inform colleagues."

Too much
When asked what he thinks of the criticism that there is 'too much' communication about DEI, Maikel is honest: "I do hear that sometimes. Fortunately, most colleagues who share feedback also endorse the values of equality and inclusion and mainly criticize our approach. And I am open to substantive criticism – I even welcome it, as it helps us improve. But I sometimes find it difficult to understand that we would be doing 'too much' to create a safe environment. To achieve that, you need to communicate regularly with everyone. In my opinion, you can't overdo that. And if your colleagues feel as comfortable at work as you do, isn't that better for everyone?"

What personally affects him more is the tone in which criticism is sometimes expressed. ". We need to keep an eye on this together. There is  a  limit to inclusion and your freedom of expression – that lies with exclusion and discrimination.  You’re talking about your colleagues, the people you work with every day, and you can really hurt them with your comments. You don't have to understand everything or always agree with each other to treat each other with respect. In my opinion, we as an organization have an obligation to ensure that."

Flag not just symbolic
The fact that the diversity flag now hangs permanently in the office means a lot to Maikel. "It may seem like a symbolic gesture, but the effect is real. It makes me feel more comfortable within APG. It's a signal: you are allowed to be yourself here."

He tries to help others with his visibility. "My nail polish, my tattoos, my openness – it's a conscious choice to be so authentic. Because I know there are people who still feel insecure. To them, I want to show: you are not alone. And you can be proud of who you are."

At the same time, he emphasizes that no one is obliged to speak out about their own identity. "It's your choice. We want to create  a culture where this is possible. But only if you are ready for it, only if you want to."

Talk
For colleagues who struggle with their identity or do not feel accepted, Maikel has a clear message: "Talk about it. With someone you trust, with someone from the Proud network, with a confidant, or with me. And if that is still a step too far within the organization, then find someone outside APG. You don't have to deal with this by yourself."