Paarse Vrijdag moves to October as acceptance declines
Schools are holding the annual campaign day in October for the first time, as research shows a sharp decline among young people.
Paarse Vrijdag is being held at thousands of Dutch schools on Friday, in October for the first time this year. The move is intended to give schools more room, while new research points to a substantial decline in acceptance of homosexuality among school pupils.
Paarse Vrijdag has been held in December in recent years. At schools’ request, from 2026 the day has been moved to the second Friday in October. COC Nederland says December calendars are often full of holidays, end-of-term events and other activities. The organisation says hundreds of thousands of pupils, students and education professionals take part.
The timing coincides with new results from the four-yearly HBSC study by Utrecht University and the Trimbos Institute. Among boys in secondary education, the share with a positive attitude towards homosexuality fell from 40 per cent in 2021 to 22 per cent in 2025. Among girls, the share fell from 78 to 51 per cent.
The figures measure attitudes, not the behaviour of each individual pupil. Nor do they show what caused the change. The researchers point to a broader development in which young people view school less positively and report bullying more often, but do not establish that one cause explains the decline.
A separate study by the University of Amsterdam among more than 31,000 young people presents a mixed picture. A majority believe everyone is equal and should be free to decide whom they fall in love with. At the same time, there is more reluctance about visible gender expressions: 41 per cent opposed celebrating Paarse Vrijdag in all schools, compared with 32 per cent who supported it.
COC Nederland provides schools with teaching materials and activities for primary, secondary and vocational education. The organisation stresses that a single campaign day is no substitute for structural policies against bullying and exclusion. For schools, the practical question is therefore not only about the colour of the day, but also about how pupils with different views can discuss the subject safely.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Paarse Vrijdag has been moved to October in 2026.
- Research shows a decline in positive attitudes towards homosexuality among school pupils.
- Among young people there is both support for equality and resistance to some visible expressions.
Left
Arguments Schools should actively create space for LGBTI pupils and not wait until exclusion becomes visible. A campaign day, lessons and protection against bullying are part of education’s public responsibility.
Values Equality, inclusion and protection of minorities.
Consequences Greater visibility can increase safety, but also requires good support when dealing with resistance and conflict.
Centre
Arguments Schools should implement statutory citizenship education objectives while also taking account of differences among pupils and parents. Regular lessons, clear rules and space for discussion are more important than a single symbolic day.
Values Social safety, professional autonomy and education for everyone.
Consequences A consistent approach can limit polarisation, but requires time, expertise and support from school boards.
Right
Arguments Schools should teach pupils respect, but be cautious about compulsory visible campaigns that some families regard as ideological. The emphasis should be on basic anti-bullying rules and equal treatment.
Values Parental authority, pluralism and freedom of education.
Consequences Greater restraint may increase support, but critics say it could also mean that LGBTI pupils are protected less visibly.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The text draws on the organisers and the research institutions themselves. The figures are linked to the correct populations and are not used to claim causes.
- confirmed Paarse Vrijdag is taking place in October for the first time in 2026. — COC Nederland describes the new date and the reason for the change. source
- confirmed Among boys in secondary education, the positive attitude fell from 40 to 22 per cent between 2021 and 2025. — HBSC results via Trimbos and Utrecht University. source
- confirmed In the UvA study, 41 per cent opposed celebrating Paarse Vrijdag in all schools and 32 per cent supported it. — Results from the UvA study among more than 31,000 young people. source
Editor's note
The move of Paarse Vrijdag and the research percentages have been confirmed. The studies show a trend, but do not prove a single clear cause or indicate that all young people have the same attitude.Sources
- Paarse Vrijdag dit jaar voor het eerst in oktober — COC Nederland
- Acceptatie homoseksualiteit sterk afgenomen onder jongeren in Nederland — Trimbos-instituut
- Nederlandse jongeren hebben uiteenlopende LGBTIQ+-opvattingen — Universiteit van Amsterdam
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „onderwijs paarse vrijdag”
- RTL Nieuws — „onderwijs paarse vrijdag”
- NOS — „onderwijs paarse vrijdag”