News item | 04-06-2023 | 6:00 PM
Minister Dijkgraaf (OCW) presented the Jos Brink Prize on Sunday 4 in the DeLaMar Theater in Amsterdam. The Innovation Award has been presented to Paul van Dorst of the Roze Kameraden, Feyenoord’s lhbtiq+ supporters club. The Oeuvre Prize is dedicated to the voluntary ambassadors of the Roze50+ foundation. The reward consists of an amount of money and a work of art made by students of the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague.
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 dedicate themselves with heart and soul – and sometimes against their better judgment – to more acceptance and emancipation of the LGBTQ+ community. I cherish all these people and appreciate their important struggles. I would like to congratulate Paul van Dorst of the Pink Comrades and all volunteers of the Pink 50+ Foundation in particular with the Jos Brink Prize. 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 LGBTIQ+ elderly people, 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 an inspiration to 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 Wilie Elhorst (former board member and chair of the National Coordination Point for the Church and Homosexuality Groups).
Innovation award for Paul van Dorst
Winner of the Innovation Award Paul van Dorst is the founder and chairman of the Pink Comrades: Feyenoord’s LGBTQ+ supporters’ club. This organization is working on a culture change in the football world, in which the LGBTQ+ community can safely enjoy this sport. “Paul is a courageous champion who, at the risk of his own safety, will continue to bring much-needed change to the world of football. And that inspires,’ according to 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 the 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 star and director of the Favela Street Foundation), Eveline van de Putte (author and theater maker), Jantine van Lisdonk (emancipation researcher and strategic advisor Bi+ Netherlands) and Jackson Monteiro (Ex-agent Roze in Blauw 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.