The Verwey-Jonker Institute conducts historical research into the manner in which the how the government dealt with homosexuality in its role as an employer in the period 1945-1971.
The investigation should reveal whether there has been widespread discrimination on the basis of sexual preference in local authorities, government departments and employment agencies.

In order to carry out the research, it is important that we get in touch with as many stakeholders (m/f) as possible:

Are you homosexual, bisexual or lesbian? And did you work as a civil servant for a local authority, a government department, a government agency or an employment office between 1945 and 1971? Or did you apply for such a position at that time?
Then we would like to talk to you about your experiences with personnel policy and dealing with homosexuality. Do you feel that you have been disadvantaged in your career because of your (perceived) sexual preference? We are particularly interested in your experiences with personnel selection, career prospects, pensions and dismissal.

We are also seeking civil servants who worked in the human resources departments of government bodies (central government, local authorities, etc.) between 1945 and 1971.

Are you a current or former civil servant at a local authority or government department, and do you know anything about how homosexual and lesbian staff were treated in the 1950s or 1960s?
Or are you a former member of the Abvakabo gay/lesbian group? And would you like to discuss selection and personnel policy in general and the role of homosexuality in it?
We would be pleased to hear from you in that case as well.

Would you like to share your story, confidentially, without obligation and anonymously if you wish?

Please send an email to homodiscriminatie-ambtenaren@verwey-jonker.nl
Or call with Tara Jibodh: M: 06-34738648 at the Verwey-Jonker Institute.

We will conduct an exploratory and personal interview with you.
You can then decide for yourself whether you wish to make your data available for the study in anonymised form. The in-depth interviews will preferably be held in Utrecht at the Verwey-Jonker Institute. Travel expenses will be reimbursed. Researchers will determine with whom the in-depth interviews will be held. If you would like more information about the study, please contact Dr Marian van der Klein via MvanderKlein@verwey-jonker.nl

This study was commissioned by the Ministries of the Interior and of Education, Culture and Science.