Do we really accept gay people?

Are we really as tolerant towards gays as we like to think? The Netherlands Institute for Social Research (SCP) researched this and found that few people still feel negatively towards gay rights in general. When we see people of the same sex kiss on the street though, we become a lot less friendly. Is this the same at Tilburg University?”The layer of acceptation stays paper thin,” says Tanja Ineke from gay rights organisation COC to the NOS. SCP’s research shows that 35 percent of the people who were questioned do not like to see two men kiss. When it’s two women getting cosy, that number drops to 24 percent. When it is a man and a woman, 12 percent does not like the public display of affection.On campus, a lot of students do not have an opinion when it comes to this subject, or they do not want to react because they feel uncomfortable. A frequently heard reaction is: “I almost never see people of the same sex kissing”. There were some students who had something to say, though:

“Recently, I saw two men kissing on a terrace. It might be a bit peculiar, because it is not completely accepted yet, but I think this should be fine here in The Netherlands. When a boy kisses a girl I feel just as annoyed. People should be able to do what they want, I make no distinction between sexes. Maybe I notice it, and move on.” – Manon (20), Psychology

“I do not care that much. Whoever is caught snogging, should receive a beer shower. I have been there. Two women is fine by me, I do find it different to see two men kissing. But you do not see that happening a lot.” – Gijs (24), International Business Administration

“People think it is odd because they are not used to it. I am bisexual myself. I am fine with it, I might notice it easier because gay people are a minority, but I do not have any problem with it at all.” – Rose-Lynn (19), International Business Administration

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