ABOUT THE BOARD

ABOUT NANCY
Chairman| workshops | workshops | education, communication committee
It is with great pride that I fulfill the role of chairman within our foundation, an organization that is passionately committed to the rights and well-being of our diverse community. For many years I have been studying rainbow artists and the many facets of art. Unfortunately, in my youth there were few educational opportunities and safe places for the LGBTQA+ community. Creativity has always served as my outlet, and it was one day that someone pointed out to me the power of rainbow writers that began my development and formation. Since then I have used rainbow artists, their works and lives as a source of inspiration and example, to show others how beautiful and colorful our subculture has always been. Rainbow art in all its forms is an enrichment for everyone, regardless of background, gender, identity or fluidity. I don't really like going out and that's why I wanted to offer a supplementary program in Leiden to the initiatives that are already there. Art is more than just fun; it is an inexhaustible source of wonder and inspiration. You always discover something surprising, something that touches you, something that makes you think, something that makes you laugh a lot. It opens the door to new worlds, new perspectives and new emotions. With multiple locations acting as safe havens, I invite you all to join our activities, to come together, connect and grow. Together we can bring about positive change and build a future in which love and acceptance are central. You are always very welcome.

ABOUT SALEM
Commissie jongeren | workshops jongeren en (jong-)volwassenen
I am a young artist who loves to draw. For me, art is more than just an activity; it's a way to express my thoughts and feelings, whether they're concerns or just some casual expression. I love colors and mixing them to make new creations. Whether I work on large canvases or create small works of art, such as happy stones, bookmarks, magnets and doodles, I always enjoy it. Although I mainly speak English, I am currently learning Dutch. I like to share my knowledge about the many applications of art. In addition to my passion for art, I am also a lover of films and board games. It is great that there is room for art, films and board games at Rainbow Society Leiden, and I am honored to contribute to this as a board member. Moreover, I am neurodivergent, so I understand all too well if people want to de-stimulate or need introvert moments. At our foundation there is room to be yourself and you are fully accepted. I'm really looking forward to meeting you all and sharing wonderful experiences together at Rainbow Society Leiden!

ABOUT MARGARET
Commissie senioren | penningmeester | gastvrouw
As a slightly older participant, I bring with me a wealth of life experience. I am a mother of beautiful children and now also a grandmother; I cherish my family as one of my greatest blessings. My life path has led me through various relationships and personal discoveries. I have experienced that love knows no boundaries and that true acceptance starts with embracing our own identity and that of others. My life path has led me to discover my true self. I was once married to a man, but as time went on I discovered that this did not fully suit me. Finding my authentic identity led me to relationships with women, where I could be myself and share love the way I wanted to. In addition to my personal journey of discovery, I have developed a deep love for art and am currently studying art history. Talking about art, giving lectures and tours are some of my passions, and I enjoy sharing them with others. I strongly believe in the power of acceptance and the freedom to love who you want. That's why I'm so grateful for our foundation, where we can come together, talk, learn and enjoy each other's company. I cordially invite you all to participate in our meetings and outings. You are always welcome with us, exactly as you are.

ABOUT MARLEEN
Actief vrijwilliger| fotograaf
For me, the Rainbow Society is a place where I can create something beautiful together with like-minded people, share experiences and feel at home. I prefer to do this through art, for me the way to get closer to my feelings. I used to enjoy writing stories and translating books from Spanish into Dutch; Over the last few years I have developed as a photographer. My photos are distinguished by their cinematic, dreamy atmosphere. In addition to my passion for art, I also do a lot of sports. I like to go hiking, cycling or rock climbing – I hope to do this together with this rainbow community. With years of experience in higher education and as a mother of two daughters, I enjoy guiding young people and young adults on their path of discovery, acceptance and identity development. I look forward to meeting you at one of our meetings! (https://berkhoutmarleen3a13.myportfolio.com/).

ABOUT MORGANA
Secretaris | steunpunt Intersekse& transgender |lezingen.
As a member of the intersex community, I understand firsthand the challenges and experiences that intersex people can face. Being intersex is about more than just biological characteristics; it is also about identity, acceptance and understanding. As part of Rainbow Society Leiden, I am determined to contribute to an inclusive environment in which intersex people feel supported and understood. I am a versatile artist with a passion for creative expression in all its forms. Drawing, writing and painting are some of my favorite ways to express my thoughts and emotions. I have had the privilege of publishing several books and continue to enjoy creating new poems and stories. Besides my love for art, I am also passionate about music. I play various instruments and my taste in music varies, but I feel most connected to the heavy metal and gothic subcultures. My interest in gender, sexuality and fluidity has led me to a career as a coach and speaker. I have had many conversations with people about these topics and enjoy giving talks to create more awareness and understanding within the LGBTQA+ community and beyond. I look forward to sharing my passions and experiences within our foundation and working together to create an inclusive and supportive environment.

ABOUT MARGARET
Commissie uitstapjes | algemeen bestuurslid
As a slightly older participant, I bring with me a wealth of life experience. I am a mother of beautiful children and now also a grandmother; I cherish my family as one of my greatest blessings. My life path has led me through various relationships and personal discoveries. I have experienced that love knows no boundaries and that true acceptance starts with embracing our own identity and that of others. My life path has led me to discover my true self. I was once married to a man, but as time went on I discovered that this did not fully suit me. Finding my authentic identity led me to relationships with women, where I could be myself and share love the way I wanted to. In addition to my personal journey of discovery, I have developed a deep love for art and am currently studying art history. Talking about art, giving lectures and tours are some of my passions, and I enjoy sharing them with others. I strongly believe in the power of acceptance and the freedom to love who you want. That's why I'm so grateful for our foundation, where we can come together, talk, learn and enjoy each other's company. I cordially invite you all to participate in our meetings and outings. You are always welcome with us, exactly as you are.

OVER WILMA
Actief vrijwilliger | commissie kunst | commissie senioren
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​Ik ben in contact gekomen met Nancy en de Rainbow Society via de stichting Pride Leiden. Met Nancy heb ik veel kunnen sparren, en ik heb enorm veel bewondering voor wat er in een kort tijdsbestek in elkaar is gezet. De Rainbow Society Leiden is een prachtige ontmoetingsplek voor iedereen. Zelf werk ik nog fulltime als proces owner kwaliteit bij NBD Biblion, een overkoepelende inkooporganisatie voor met name bibliotheken en scholen. Het bekende bibliotheekboek wordt daar gemaakt. ​
Daarnaast ben ik coördinator van de vrijwilligers van de stichting Pride Leiden. Ik denk graag in mogelijkheden en oplossingen; met een dosis humor is alles te doen! Het is fijn dat er een plek is waar je kunt en mag zijn zoals je wilt zijn. Niet alles in het leven is even makkelijk, maar als mens heb je de veerkracht om de draad weer op te pakken en door te gaan. Als actief vrijwilliger help ik bij de zondagmiddagbijeenkomsten met het voorbereiden van lunches. Ook ben ik betrokken bij projecten met senioren en het Leidse Lampionnetjes-kunstwerk. Mijn vrouw, die helaas is overleden, had als motto: Leef in het nu. Dat neem ik nog elke dag ter harte. Genieten van kleine dingen en jezelf blijven verwonderen en verbazen.