TU Delft Debuts “Engineering TU Love” Boat in Amsterdam Canal Parade to Celebrate Pride and Inclusion

TU Delft Debuts “Engineering TU Love” Boat in Amsterdam Canal Parade to Celebrate Pride and Inclusion

(IN BRIEF) TU Delft participated in the Amsterdam Canal Parade for the first time, sending 80 members of its community aboard the “Engineering TU Love” boat. Spearheaded by Mechanical Engineering staff Emiel Zoutewelle-Tuk and Gracia Woutersen, the effort showcased the university’s dedication to free expression and social engagement. Diverse participants—students, faculty, alumni, LGBTQIA+ members and allies—celebrated under Delft Blue–inspired banners and blueprint-themed attire, while recycled flags and dancers brought added vibrancy. Vice Dean Bendiks Jan Boersma and Chief Diversity Officer Cynthia Liem underscored the event’s role in strengthening inclusion. Building on this success, TU Delft will introduce all-gender restrooms, bolster support networks, and engage with the Workplace Pride benchmark to ensure lasting campus-wide inclusivity.

(PRESS RELEASE) DELFT, 7-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Last Saturday, TU Delft made its debut in the iconic Amsterdam Canal Parade, fielding around 80 spirited participants—students, staff, and alumni—aboard its Pride boat under the banner “Engineering TU Love.” This milestone was realized through the dedication of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the Diversity & Inclusion Office, and the TrueU and Outsite networks, along with tireless support from the university community.

The idea originated with Emiel Zoutewelle-Tuk and Gracia Woutersen of the Mechanical Engineering Faculty, who envisioned TU Delft joining Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration. Their proposal blossomed into a vibrant display of solidarity. Vice Dean Bendiks Jan Boersma emphasized the importance of free expression and personal authenticity—values he believes universities must champion, especially when they face external pressures.

TU Delft sees Pride as more than a parade; it’s a stage to demonstrate its commitment to social innovation. Acting Chief Diversity Officer Cynthia Liem highlighted the diverse mix aboard the boat—Dutch and international students, faculty, alumni, LGBTQIA+ members and allies—coming together to forge connections that transcend campus boundaries. “I hope these new bonds endure and foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to be their true selves,” she said.

The boat’s décor paid homage to “Delft Blue,” draped in white-and-blue banners, while participants donned blueprint-inspired white tees. Four dancers, clad in recycled Progress flags, energized the route with choreography set to Daft Punk’s “Technologic.” Industrial Design student Koray Kramer captured the spirit: “Feeling all that love made me realize I can express myself however I choose.”

Looking forward, TU Delft pledges to build on this momentum by enhancing on-campus inclusion. Initiatives include all-gender restrooms, strengthened support networks, and active engagement with the Workplace Pride benchmark. Through ongoing collaboration with TrueU and Outsite, TU Delft will weave inclusivity into every facet of university life.

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Tel: 015 27 87000
email: info@tudelft.nl

SOURCE: TU Delft