Marjolein Dennissen

47 Networking for equality? potential members, especially those in high positions who do not want to identify with or be labeled as "cultural diverse" as they link it to disadvantage and inequality. The board members believe the ethnic minority network is a temporary necessity to change the organization, yet they are reluctant to emphasize ethnic diversity too much, in fear of stigmatization and disadvantage. As such, differences are dismissed and the prevailing norms remain unchallenged. LGBT network The LGBT network was initiated by LGBT employees within the organization. Following an initiative to organize informal drinks, the network was formalized into an official diversity network. In my interviews, the board members mention two main goals. The first goal is to support and advance the visibility of homosexuality, tolerance and acceptance of LGBT employees. According to the board members, LGBT employees who are out would perform better at work compared to LGBT employees who hide their homosexuality. Second, the board members want to create a safe space where LGBT employees can “feel at home”. In order to advance the visibility of homosexuality and provide a safe space, the LGBT network organizes “feel-good activities”, mainly seminars with drinks afterwards. Network members are encouraged to bring a straight colleague to activities. Reaching out rather than withdrawing among network members is seen as facilitating the visibility of the network and of homosexuality in the organization. Instigated by the LGBT network, the organization also participated in the national Gay Pride Parade. Although the board members want to advance the visibility of homosexuality throughout the organization, they are ambiguous about the kind of visibility: The most important is that we… uh... advance the visibility of homosexuality. And with that I do not mean that we… uh… have to parade through the building like Gerard Joling. (…) That is not the visibility that I mean. That visibility can be there as well, but in general it is just.. uh.. that it is normal. So to speak, eh. That it, uh… so then you have a Gerard Joling, but there are also… uh… types like me, who are not immediately recognizable when you are straight, so to speak. It is about allowing the visibility in all its variety. (Anna) In this excerpt, I observe a discourse of visibility, as Anna wants homosexuality to be visible, but she is ambivalent about the type of visibility. Reference is made to the Dutch singer Gerard Joling, who is open about his homosexuality. Although this open type of homosexuality should be acceptable as well, and Anna refers to visibility in various ways, she speaks of “normal” in reference to a homosexuality that is almost invisible, at least to straight eyes. In line with Anna, other board members are also careful not to confirm gay stereotypes. For example, about their participation in the national Gay Pride Parade, a board member states that “it had to look professional", not "too much nudity", and to "make a statement that we are just normal people”. Another board member wants to challenge the stereotypical perception of “partying