Javi
This experience has been great because although I had already done some projects before, this was where I felt most comfortable because we were all very different in some aspects that we could learn from and in others that were very similar that we could share and enjoy.
As for the activities, they were all very dynamic and by doing it in different groups it was easier to express your point of view and realize that others also agree with you but had not thought about it before. We have had a lot of freedom to be able to organize ourselves as we wanted and learn from the queer community through our
own experiences.
I have taken all this learning home and simple acts that I had not internalized before the project, I now apply in my life like asking about pronouns or if the topic we are going to talk about can be a trigger warning to the other person, also, working without making too much noise so as not to bother those who are more sensitive.
Therefore, knowing or learning queer knowledge about history, culture, flags, countries… is gratifying but it is even more so when you try to create a safe and calm atmosphere for everyone.
Lucía
In this project I have had a great time, I have really enjoyed the process of meeting new people and getting to know myself better. And, above all, I have always felt very comfortable, without feeling that people were going to judge me, but quite the opposite, feeling that they were going to listen to me and help me.
This project has taught me a lot of things, from more general aspects such as the different spectrums of the LGBTIQ+ community, teamwork and activism, to more specific aspects like how to break down barriers and the importance of creating safe spaces.
After the project, I ́m much more aware of minorities, and the importance of them to make everyone feel included and welcome. I have learned that we can help others with very simple acts, such as: warning when we are going to turn on or off the lights before doing so, trying not to make loud or extrident sounds, asking about allergies
or diets before cooking, asking about pronouns when we meet someone and then using them correctly, or when dealing with a subject that may be difficult for someone, warning them beforehand. These are very simple acts to implement in our lives, but can make a big difference to others.
Iñigo
This project has been an incredible experience. From the start, I felt really comfortable thanks to the openness and inclusive environment that was created, along with the respect and support from all the participants. This allowed me to dive deeply into queer topics, something I’ve always been interested in but now understand much better.
One of the best parts has been learning about the queer community and the role of activism in the fight for human rights. During the activities, we explored how social,
cultural, and political dynamics vary across different countries, which gave me a much more comprehensive view of the challenges and progress. Now I clearly see why it’s so important to be active and visible in the fight for everyone’s rights.
The highlight has been meeting so many people from different countries and cultures. Talking with other participants has helped me better understand what it means to be queer in various parts of Europe and how diversity and activism are experienced in very different contexts from my own.
Additionally, the project has provided me with practical tools to continue with activism beyond this. I’ve learned strategies for making our struggle more visible and how to create safe and inclusive spaces in different settings. All of this motivates me to keep working in my community and use what I’ve learned to drive positive change.
I’ve also learned how to contribute to a more inclusive society with everyday actions, like using inclusive language, participating in LGBTQIA+ rights campaigns, and creating safe spaces where everyone can express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Juan
For me, this project was one of the best experiences I have had within the world of Erasmus +. The dynamics of the project surprised me quite a bit, since from the first day we shared our own experiences related to the LGBT community and we got to know those of other people. The way in which this project was carried out seemed
very dynamic to me, since the entire team of “facilitators” did a magnificent job in structuring the days and the topics that were going to be discussed in each one of them. It seemed to me that the Active Rainbow association put a lot of effort into the project, and after 2 weeks of living with the participants and the Active Rainbow
team, I returned to Spain with a very good taste in my mouth, seeing that this project helped me understand the different realities that happen at the same time in the world, and to feel lucky and proud of my country of origin, since I discovered the amount of rights and support that people from the LGBT community have in Spain,
compared to the rest of the world.
After those weeks in Ommen, I came back with a much more open mind, and with a great ambition to put into practice and share those tools that the Active Rainbow team gave us to make this world a safe place for all people, especially for the Queer community, since even today the collective is still marginalized in many places.
If there were a “TripAdvisor” for Erasmus projects, this one would undoubtedly get 5 stars and a very good review.
Gaby
The experience of participating in this project was magical. Those two weeks became a journey filled with emotions and unique experiences that I will always carry with me. Each day, I discovered new stories, new activities full of energy and inspiration, and new spaces where creativity and creation found a place to grow and transform. Thanks to this project, I was able to learn even more about other realities of the LGBTIQ+/Queer community, as well as terminology with which I was not entirely familiar with. One of the topic I would like to highlight is directly related to activism; it was very interesting to explore the infinite possibilities that can be a forms of activism and how these can be adapted to the needs, preferences, or concerns of each person, making it possible for anyone interested in getting involved in activism to find their place.
In addition to what was mentioned earlier about the topics covered during the project, I would like to highlight the work of the Active Rainbow team. It is truly inspiring to observe how they work and build a space where all these magical things can emerge. You can clearly see how they take care of every detail, laying out the necessary tools so that each participant can pick up what resonates with them the most, without a predetermined path. Watching the team work was truly magical. For me, this experience was a gift in many ways, filling me with inspiration and curiosity to continue expanding my knowledge and deconstructing inherited patterns.
Alba
For me, this project has been an opportunity to get to know myself better and be part of an incredible community. During our time at Ommen I had a lot of experiences and met a lot of amazing people.
I thank Active Rainbow for all this, thanks to them the project was developed in a magical and special way. During these two weeks I have been able to learn about the realities of other countries, learn more about the history of the LGBTIQ+ community, concepts about which I did not have much knowledge, and experience activism in the streets. The latter was one of the best experiences of the entire project, coming together to fight for a common goal and seeing people’s positive reactions made your hair stand on end.
In addition to everything I experienced during the project, I brought home many memories, new friends, a wonderful community, and the desire and excitement to put everything I learned into practice.