John Blankenstein

Today John Blankenstein was burried on the age of 56. John was gay and arbiter, still a unique combination. He wasn't ashamed of his orientation, even though he randomly received cursing choirs while arbiting important football matches, also on an international level. Great respect to this man whom demonstrated to be a role model for many.

Still he almost had a monopoly on being gay and working on top sport level. John often said he know other gay top sporters, married and having children. Today several speakers rightly called upon them to carry on the torch, to honour John and to be a role model for young people.

Earlier this year he coached our gay team in a football match against Moroccans, Antilleans and lesbians. We lost, but for John it was more important that this game was played in respect of each other. I hope that his torch will be carried on.

Goodbye summer

Today I started working again, knowing that I will probably not have much free time until the end of the year. Even though my holidays didn't exactly go like I thought they would be, I still feel ready for the upcoming period. And I thought it would also be nice to redesign my blog a bit, so here you go dear readers.

To friendship, such an endless longing

The house is empty and I need to get back to work. It feels that I have failed in completing an important task, but I will not stop working on it. Bodymarks and identity we do not choose when we are born, and nobody deserves to be damned for loving who he wants to live.

So I recollect my energy and return to work. The short visit to Normandy helped. It was funny to go camping again, just like in my childhood.

Behind dark clouds

Powerless is how I feel, the pain cleaves through my body because there is nothing I can do. For one the hope has seeded but I don't think it is time to give up. There is time we should win yes, but there is no time. No time because time means going back and that is where hope dissapears. Rainbows we have seen, dark clouds above our heads. He deserves to be here now, but he can not live with the thoughts that this could end. So he wants to go back and live his life like how it used to be. Rainbows we have seen, the sun reflecting in the sea. Hope there is, and I prey. Let him live, let him live.

Love and Struggle

The title of the debate I am organising, but moreover the reality of many friends of mine. To love in life the persons they want to love they have to struggle in many other fields of life. The debate discusses the role of the Dutch government in taking the lead in world wide emancipation. Is homosexuality only a luxurious western value which we try to impose on other cultures? Or is it a basic human right? Young people will discuss these and other issues with Dutch politicians.

The topic -love and struggle- is currently also a very central issue in my personal life, occuring in different ways. I think that it makes me stronger in translating young people's needs in politicial work... but at certain moments it also makes takes away all my energy. It seems that the fight of activists sometimes is a vicious circle of frustration and positive visibility, whereas there is such big need for structural support to activities of e.g. lgbt youth organisations.

So it's time for a little break. I'm going to camp in Normandy a couple of days... to unplug from the web and phone. And to breathe some fresh sea-air, eat some fish and drink some red wine... and to have a good time with a dear friend!

Tuesday dish

Tonight a friend of mine organised a 'Tuesday dish'; a political debate with a group of people during the joy of a nice meal and a lot of wine! A fab idea I think... as it was the first time the format wasn't completely perfect yet, but as it is foreseen to be organised every week from now on, it should work out as a very nice concept!

Finally some relaxed environment to practise my talking skills... we had so many different people, like an artist, a psychologist, social students, old language students, modern language students, a hair dresser, a tv-presenter, a debate-leader, just a lot of fun!