Today, 17 August 2026, Act4Respect and Jong Gelijk launched the campaign Kleine !@#$% dingen worden grote !@#$% dingen. Through this campaign, they aim to highlight how seemingly innocent comments, questions and assumptions can contribute to feelings of exclusion amongst queer youth of colour.
Today, 17 August 2026, Act4Respect and Jong Gelijk launched the campaign Kleine !@#$% dingen worden grote !@#$% dingen. Through this campaign, they aim to highlight how seemingly innocent comments, questions and assumptions can contribute to feelings of exclusion amongst queer youth of colour.
For many queer youth of colour, comments about their background, skin colour, gender identity or sexuality are nothing out of the ordinary. Think of questions such as ‘Where are you really from?’, assumptions about someone’s gender or sexuality, or remarks made in jest. Taken individually, such experiences may seem minor, but when they keep happening, they take their toll.
Queer youth of colour often find themselves at the intersection of various forms of exclusion. Because they are both queer and a person of colour, they regularly face racism, queerphobia, transphobia, stereotyping and hypersexualisation. As a result, they are often seen as ‘different’ or as an exception to the norm.
From everyday remarks to feelings of exclusion
Sometimes exclusion isn’t found in major incidents, but rather in everyday interactions. A question, a joke or an assumption can make someone feel as though they don’t quite belong to the group.
What may seem like a harmless comment to one person may, for another, be part of a recurring pattern in which they are constantly reminded that they are seen as ‘different’. When such experiences build up, they can have a significant impact.
These experiences can lead to:
feelings of loneliness;
insecurity and stress;
the feeling that you have to conform;
less scope to be yourself;
a feeling of not quite belonging.
Through this campaign, Act4Respect and Jong Gelijk highlight how these seemingly minor experiences can have a major impact on the wellbeing and sense of safety of queer youth of colour.
Anyone can make a difference
The campaign invites people to reflect on their own assumptions and to be open to the experiences of others. By being mindful of our language, listening actively and supporting one another, we can help create an environment where everyone feels seen, respected and welcome. Because just as small comments can escalate into major problems, small gestures can make a big positive difference.
About Act4Respect and Jong Gelijk
Act4Respect is a collaboration between Rutgers, COC Netherlands and Atria. Together with young people and professionals, Act4Respect is committed to promoting equal relationships among youth, with a focus on preventing (online) sexual violence and (ex-)partner violence against girls, women and LGBTI+ people.
Jong Gelijk comprises Rutgers, NJR, PJNL, Colored Collective and Femmes For Freedom. Together, they challenge norms, break down stereotypes and are committed to a society in which everyone is treated as equals, regardless of who you are or who you love.
