Over the next four years, the 56 Dutch rainbow cities, including Assen and Emmen, will receive 1.24 million euros annually. The cities must use the money to implement their local LGBTIQ+ emancipation policy.
Robbert Dijkgraaf, Minister of Education, Culture and Science, announced this at a conference in Utrecht. The Rainbow Cities and the minister want to use the money and their policy to commit themselves to the safety, resilience and further social acceptance of LGBTIQ+ residents.
The current collaboration agreements with Rainbow Cities run until the end of 2022. Dijkgraaf: “In the Netherlands, everyone can be themselves. I am proud of the collaboration with the municipalities and that we continue to dedicate ourselves full of energy to the acceptance of lhtbiq+ people.”
Rainbow policy consists of different parts, depending on the municipality. For example, some municipalities organize activities around Coming Out Day and symposia about the safety of the lhbtiq+ community.