Mission & Milestones

Mission

True U is committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment at TU Delft for LGBTIQA+ staff. We strive to enhance visibility and acceptance through connections, events, and dialogue. Serving as advocates for diversity and inclusion, we align with TU Delft's policies and actively contribute to creating a safe and stimulating workplace. True U seeks to inform and inspire, serving as a point of contact for LGBTIQA+ matters and promoting collaboration among all colleagues and allies. Together, we aim to set an example within TU Delft's community.
 
Following are the detailed mission of True U:

  1. True U is dedicated to improving the visibility and fostering acceptance of LGBTQIA+ colleagues and students within the TU Delft community.
  2. True U actively stimulates connections, interactions, and conversations among LGBTQIA+ colleagues to identify challenges, prevent isolation, and contribute to ongoing discussions on visibility and acceptance.
  3. True U organizes various events, lectures, and meetings to provide platforms for dialogue, mutual understanding, and engagement among the members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
  4. Recognizing TU Delft's influential role in society, True U aims to set an example by actively showcasing the work and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals within the university community.
  5. True U aligns with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policy and integrity policy of the TU Delft, serving as a valuable discussion partner for the Executive Board and stakeholders in the ongoing development and implementation of these policies.
  6. True U supports the pursuit of TU Delft of a safe and stimulating working environment where every colleague, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, feels secure and appreciated for their authentic selves.
  7. As part of our responsibility, True U seeks to inform, advise, and inspire TU Delft and the Executive Board on D&I and integrity issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community.
  8. True U serves as a point of contact and a sounding board for anyone within TU Delft seeking guidance on LGBTQIA+ matters, offering our network to facilitate connections and discussions.
  9. True U invites participation from all LGBTQIA+ colleagues and straight allies who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, embracing collaboration among scientific and support staff.
  10. True U collaborates closely with national and international LGBTIQ+ employee resource groups such the LDE Pride network (Leiden – Delft – Erasmus) and WorkPlace Pride.  
  11. While students have their dedicated association, Outsite, True U maintains regular contact, fostering collaboration and mutual support between the diverse communities at TU Delft.

Establishment

On October 11, 2016, True U Delft (True U for short) officially started as the LGBTIQA+ network of employees at TU Delft. At the initiative of Leon Hombergen and Dirk van den Heuvel with support from TU Delft and the Executive Board, which was confirmed by the presence of Anka Mulder, then Executive Board member.
 
Legally, the acceptance of LGBTIQA+ people is almost completely regulated, which historically can be regarded as something special. But that does not mean that we can rest on our laurels and that all kinds of small and large prejudices in everyday life have simply disappeared. In fact, the work is just beginning. In addition to violent incidents that are discussed in the media and cause a lot of unrest among LGBTIQA+ people , the workplace and education are often a grey area. In order to counteract feelings of discomfort, insecurity and (often unintentional) exclusion, it is necessary to actively engage in conversation about diversity and inclusion in the workplace and in education. The founders of True U aim to facilitate this conversation by establishing an LGBTIQA+ network. Acceptance and understanding of LGBTIQA+ people are only possible through visibility and openness.

Milestones

  • 24 November 2023 - Kick off of LDE Pride collaboration
  • 20 June 2023 - Start of the True U's Pink Closet tour
  • 9 December 2022 - True U introduces new logo in progress colours
  • 9 December 2022 - TU Delft changes to progress flag in front of Aula
  • 1 August 2022 - TU Delft raises raibow flag in front of the Aula every day of the year
  • 10 November 2022 - First Meet the Networks event for new TU Delft employees
  • 11 October 2022 - True U introduced True U's Pink Closet
  • 11 December 2020 - True U starts discussion on all gender toilets on campus
  • 11 December 2020 - True U introduces True U stickers
  • 14 February 2020 - first True U Valentine's lunch with rainbow hart cake
  • 11 October 2019 - True U introduces the True U mug
  • 11 October 2016 - True U is established with a lunch event at Lijm & Cultuur

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