As part of the LGBTIQA+ Wellbeing Monitor Gelderland and Overijssel, Rijnierse focuses on one key question: how do LGBTIQA+ people in these provinces experience the acceptance of gender diversity and sexual orientation? Her work covers topics such as social acceptance, safety, healthcare, sport, religion, living environments, and government policy.
Why is this research important?
"Several studies show that the acceptance and safety of queer people have come under increasing pressure in recent years. By gaining a better understanding of their experiences, governments and social organisations can take more targeted action to create a society where everyone has equal opportunities."
How did the collaboration with RSCR begin?
"Our collaboration with RSCR started through contacts in advisory boards, internship projects, and sociology graduates who worked, or still work, at Vizier. Over time, it has developed into a long-term partnership in which both organisations contribute their own expertise."
What does the collaboration look like?
"We work together at different stages of the research process. For example, we jointly develop questionnaires, recruit participants, and prepare the data for analysis. RSCR handles much of the statistical analysis. My colleagues and I then use the findings in reports and explore how policymakers and practitioners can apply them in practice. Communication is informal and straightforward. We can easily call each other when needed, and we meet regularly to discuss progress."
What do you value most about this partnership?
"The shared ambition behind the research. We all want to improve the lives of LGBTIQA+ people, and we use our research to support positive social change. The project's growth also shows the value of this partnership. In 2025, as many as 3,533 people completed the survey. This growing number of participants creates more opportunities for in-depth research into the wellbeing and experiences of different groups within the LGBTIQA+ community."
What developments have you noticed in your field as a result of this collaboration?
"We see municipalities using our findings to develop, evaluate, and improve inclusion policies. The monitor has also led to local reports for municipalities such as Zwolle, Arnhem, and Enschede.
In addition, the data provide new scientific insights because RSCR researchers use them for academic publications. In this way, social impact and scientific knowledge strengthen each other."