COC Groningen & Drenthe

COC Groningen is the local chapter of COC Nederland, operating from the Gedempte Zuiderdiep in Groningen's city centre. The chapter is notable for its particularly active relationship with Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and Hanzehogeschool — the two major university institutions whose combined 57,000 students make Groningen's student population the defining demographic of the city's gay scene. COC Groningen runs a comprehensive programme: the Groningse Lesbische en Biseksuele Vrouwen group, a youth group for LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25, a parents' support group (for parents of LGBTQ+ children), cultural evenings, political discussions, and social events that complement the commercial bar scene. The chapter also coordinates Groningen Pride and is the primary organiser of LGBTQ+ visibility events in the surrounding Groningen province. For visitors to the city who want to understand its queer community structure, or for students who have moved to Groningen and want to connect with the community, COC Groningen is the essential first contact.