News item | 04-06-2023 | 5:00 PM
Minister Dijkgraaf (OCW) presented the Jos Brink Prize on Sunday 4 June in the DeLaMar Theater in Amsterdam. The Oeuvre Prize was awarded to the voluntary ambassadors of the Roze50+ foundation. The Innovation Award was presented to Paul van Dorst of the Roze Kameraden, an LGBTQ+ supporters club of Feyenoord.
The Jos Brink Award consists of two government awards that go every two years to individuals or organizations that are committed to the acceptance and safety of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders and intersex people and queers (LGBTIQ+).
Minister Dijkgraaf: “It is still not self-evident that everyone in our country can be themselves. That makes the importance of the Jos Brink Prize even greater. This afternoon I have seen many people and organizations who are committed with heart and soul – in a time of sometimes strong headwind – for more acceptance and emancipation of the LGBTIQ+ community. I cherish all these people and appreciate their important struggles. I would especially like to congratulate Paul van Dorst of the Pink Comrades and all volunteers of the Pink 50+ Foundation with the Jos Brink Award. Your work is seen and not forgotten.”
Oeuvre prize for the volunteers of Stichting Roze50+
Winner of the Oeuvre Award, the Pink 50+ Foundation has been working since 2009 to improve the interests, living situation and well-being of the LGBTQ+ elderly, together with about 100 volunteer Pink 50+ ambassadors. Because of their background, many pink elderly people do not always dare to express their love and identity. The jury argues that; ‘These pink elders are the pioneers who fought for our freedom and are now a source of inspiration for the younger generation.’ That is why the Oeuvre Prize is dedicated to all volunteers who work for this important foundation.
Other nominees for the Oeuvre Prize were Judith Schuyf (researcher at Utrecht University and one of the founders of the Gay Studies working group) and Wielie Elhorst (former board member and chair of the National Coordination Point groups church and homosexuality).
Innovation award for Paul van Dorst
Winner of the Innovation Award Paul van Dorst is the founder and chairman of the Roze Kameraden: an LGBTQ+ supporters club of Feyenoord. This organization is working on a culture change in the football world, in which the LGBTQ+ community can safely enjoy this sport. ‘Paul van Dorst, together with his Roze Comrades, is working hard to bring about change in the football world,’ said the jury. This makes Paul van Dorst the rightful winner of the Innovation Award this year.
Other nominees for the Innovation Award were Gio van den Heuvel and Jess (founders of the Transcafé) and What You See Festival, which celebrates the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Jury
The jury for the Jos Brink Prize 2023 consists of chairman Jeangu Macrooy (singer-songwriter), Rocky Hehakaija (former football player and director of the FavelaStreet foundation), Eveline van de Putte (author and theater maker), Jantine van Lisdonk (emancipation researcher and strategic advisor Bi+ Nederland ) and Jackson Monteiro (Ex-agent Pink in Blue network, Drag Queen Ruby Rouge).
About the Jos Brink Prize
The Jos Brink Prize is an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. This prize pays extra attention to a person, group or institution that is committed to the acceptance and safety of LGBTIQ + people. The winner of the Oeuvre Award is distinctive and is committed to sustainable and inclusive activities for LGBTIQ+ people and/or society. The prize consists of an amount of 10,000 euros and a work of art. The winner of the Innovation Prize receives 1000 euros for an inspiring and innovative effort that can make a fundamental difference in the future.
The prize is named after Jos Brink (1942-2007), a champion of the acceptance and emancipation of LGBTQ+ people, who openly declared his homosexuality. In 2021, the Oeuvre Prize was awarded to Glenn Helberg, the Innovation Prize went to Naomie Pieter.