‘Among students, it is still common to use words like ‘gay’ and ‘faggot’ as insults’

The rainbow flag waves all year round, and this year, a TU Delft boat participated for the first time in the Amsterdam Canal Parade. But what is the situation regarding the acceptance of queer people at the university and beyond? And how can Purple Friday contribute? Delta spoke with Jinny Wu, chair of the Delft queer youth association Outsite.

What is Purple Friday?
“It’s a day dedicated entirely to the queer community. At TU Delft, we focus on what it means to be queer. Students and staff who want to show their solidarity do so by wearing something purple on that day.”

Why is it important to celebrate this day?
“Recently, resistance to queer people has been increasing. The number of reports of discrimination and violence is rising, and as an association, we hear that members are being verbally abused with increasing frequency. That is precisely why it is important to continue celebrating this day and Pride: to show that we are here and that we will not be deterred by people who think differently.”

What does Purple Friday look like at TU Delft?
“Study associations are organising activities at all faculties. For example, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science is hosting a lunch lecture, Industrial Design Engineering is hosting a drag queen bingo, and Mechanical Engineering is handing out cupcakes. The full programme can be found online.”

The theme of Purple Friday 2025 is alliance and solidarity. How do you experience this at TU Delft?
“TU Delft has this well organised. The pride flag waves on campus all year round and study associations are paying more and more attention to it. At the same time, it is still normal for students to use words like ‘gay’ and ‘faggot’ as insults. Being queer is accepted, but subtle forms of exclusion still exist.”

How could TU Delft become more inclusive on a structural basis outside of this event?
“That’s difficult, because it’s a broader social problem. But at TU Delft, you can already do a lot by addressing people in a more neutral way, for example, ‘dear people’ instead of ‘ladies and gentlemen’. Small adjustments that make a big difference.”

How do you ensure that Purple Friday reaches not only queer students and staff, but the entire TU Delft community?
“By being active on social media. For example, we are allowed to take over the TU Delft Instagram account for a day, in the hope of reaching a wider audience. The activities of study associations are also aimed at involving everyone in an accessible way. The goal is to stimulate open conversation, even with people who know less about it.”