The first exploratory study on everyday health activism was conducted in collaboration with Dr Marjolein de Boer (Tilburg University) and three students who carried it out as (graduation) internships. This ran from April to July 2025. Based on these outcomes (including archive material), this line of research and collaboration will be further developed in the form of scientific articles and a project application.
The first exploratory study on everyday health activism was conducted in collaboration with Dr Marjolein de Boer (Tilburg University) and three students who carried it out as (graduation) internships. This ran from April to July 2025. Based on these outcomes (including archive material), this line of research and collaboration will be further developed in the form of scientific articles and a project application.
Activism also takes place on a much smaller scale, in everyday life. In collaboration with Dr Marjolein de Boer (Tilburg University), Atria has used archival research to explore how, outside the field of vision of large protests or media attention, people have fought for access to care, control over their bodies and recognition of their identities through personal stories, small acts and informal networks.
Everyday health activism is a specific form of everyday activism. It focuses on pursuing social change around health and physical and/or mental well-being, and resisting systematic oppression within these domains. This form of activism is important because it responds to the needs of people who often do not feel seen or heard within the mainstream healthcare system or public discourse. Especially for groups facing stigma, exclusion or lack of appropriate care, everyday health activism offers a way to influence their own well-being and that of others.
What does the research involve?
Exploratory research was conducted in the archives at Atria and IHLIA LGBTI Heritage on everyday activism in relation to menopause and in relation to transgender care.
What role does Atria play within this research?
In collaboration with Tilburg University, the Collection & Research Department has supervised three young researchers on their (graduation) internships at Atria.
What is the purpose of the exploratory study?
To explore what can be found in the archives about everyday activism in relation to transgender care and menopause, put this into context and make it accessible through a number of web articles. In addition, also explore the concept of everyday health activism and accessibly describe it in a web article.
Team
Dominique van Dongen (intern Collections & Research)
Hanna Blom (intern Collection & Research)
Iris Olde Hampsink (intern Research & Media)
Britt Myren (Researcher)
Julia van der Knaap (Archivist until 1 September 2025)
Franca Hehenkamp (researcher and policy advisor until 1 August 2025)
Partners
Dr Marjolein de Boer (Tilburg University and WOMAHN network (Women's Marginalised Health Network)
