Schorer promotes the rights of sexual minorities

Schorer recently became a PSO member. The foundation views itself as a health promoting institute. This means it studies the general health of homosexuals, but also of bisexuals and transgenders. Schorer is an organisation that, among other things, fights to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)among sexual minorities both in the Netherlands and abroad. The foundation attempts to bolster Southern organisations by, for example, introducing them to one another.

Projects

In the Netherlands, the foundation campaigns for example for homosexuals to get themselves tested for Hepatitis B or HIV. This new PSO member also supports the GGD [Municipal Health Service] institutions. Schorer has special projects for Amsterdam. In the capital city, the organisation has contacts with bars, saunas and sex locations. It also provides information on, for example, safe sex. The sex locations play an important role in the capital's policy. 'Condoms should always be available at these locations,' says Langen. 'Moreover, we have come to the agreement that the various darkrooms cannot be too dark as otherwise people won't be able to put on condoms.'

Alongside studies into homosexual health, Schorer also carries out welfare projects. Many older homosexuals live isolated lives. The foundation runs projects together with organisations that work for the elderly. 'We attempt to get these people out of their isolation. We do so by, for example, organising for two elderly citizens to go to the cinema together.'

Safe Haven

Schorer also has a buddy project which supports gays, lesbians and transgenders. 'Furthermore, we also have a helpline that people can call with questions concerning sexuality and health.'

The foundation is very grounded in society and is aware of social developments. This is why Schorer has a special project for young homosexuals from ethnic minorities called Veilige Haven [Safe haven]. Langen: 'We help young people who are have difficulties with their sexuality. We are there for those that get kicked out of their homes or for young people who just want to talk about their sexuality.'

The organisation, which was founded in 1967, has fifty one staff members and recently became a PSO member. Why actually? 'The organisation has been active abroad for the past ten years. That is a relatively short period of time. That is why we want to learn together with other organisations,' explains Langen.

'We have formulated a number of learning questions. “How do you stimulate organisations to collaborate in networks? And which organisational processes play a role at self-help organisations such as women's organisations? We have noticed that our partners are often so committed to their subject that they are angry at the outside world. This hampers their lobbying activities as they are too emotional.'

Marriage

When organisations enter into collaborations they expect something from one another. What does Schorer want to gain from this marriage? 'We hope that PSO can help, support and challenge us in our search for answers to our questions,' says Langen. 'But also that PSO will link us to organisations struggling with the same questions. PSO has more insight into what is going on with other members.'

What does Schorer have to offer PSO's members? 'We have a lot of experience and know a great deal about the role HIV plays in work. We can share this knowledge with other members.' But there is more. 'We are good at getting partners to draw up a structured capacity analysis and then acting upon its results.'