Collection

Michiels van Kessenich, Floris Archives

Span Dates: 1986-1991
Bulk Dates:
Volume: .5 meters

Description

This collection includes personal papers and correspondence plus various newspaper clippings and interviews as well as documents from and about Dignity Netherlands. All materials are in Dutch. Materials include video recordings and photographs.

Hist/Bio Note

Floris Michiels van Kessenich (1957-1991), descendant of a noble, Catholic family, made activism his life work, appearing frequently in the Dutch national press. While most homosexuals fought against conservative strongholds, he worked within those institutions. He caused a stir in the conservative Leiden student corps by founding a gay discussion venue. Within the Catholic Church he campaigned against Cardinal Simonis, who excluded homosexuals from receiving communion. In politics, Michiels contested the CDA view that it should be possible to exclude homosexual teachers and students from denominational education. The colorful and passionate 'pink squire' died in 1991 from the effects of AIDS. He founded the Thursday evening Eet Club (for gays from the "better" social circles) and Dignity Nederland (for Catholic gays), both of which are still thriving.

Finding Aid

The online finding aid is in Dutch.
https://search.iisg.amsterdam/Record/ARCH03141

Location

This collection is housed at the IHLIA in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
https://ihlia.nl/en/collection/

Tags

Dignity | Netherlands | Catholic (Roman)