Ganymedes
Ganymedes, the only LGBT student association that is active in the city of Groningen, was founded in December of 2008 to organize activities and drinks that would cater specifically (but not exclusively) to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered members of the student body. At its core, Ganymedes allows these students to meet on a regular basis, and in this and many other ways, Ganymedes is similar to the Gay Straight Alliances that have flourished at college campuses in the United States and elsewhere.
At Ganymedes, LGBT students (and their friends) talk, eat, drink, and hang out. Although some of our members have been out of the closet for years and join for fun and laughs, other students have found in Ganymedes a supportive environment for coming out, as well as a stepping stone into the gay scene.
As a student association, Ganymedes does not believe in hazing or trial memberships, nor does it break down into clubs (“jaarclubs”) or disputations (“disputen”). Becoming a member brings with it no obligations or mandatory appearances, and because of Ganymedes’ low-maintenance nature, membership of our association can easily be combined with that of another student association. At the same time, the activities we organize are open to, and welcome, all students who attend either the University of Groningen or the Hanze University of Groningen, regardless of their sexual orientation. As a relatively new addition to the Groningen student association scene, we rely on our members to help shape the future of Ganymedes; whether you want to become part of the activities’ committee, or found a new committee yourself, Ganymedes thrives on our members’ ideas and energy!
What’s with the name?
Ganymedes is a character from Greek mythology. He was the son of the Trojan king Tros and was deemed to be the handsomest boy in the world. One day, while herding sheep on Mount Ida, he caught the eye of Zeus, the ruler of the Greek gods. Instantly captivated by Ganymedes’ beauty, Zeus transformed himself into an eagle and abducted the young prince. He whisked Ganymedes off to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, where he could love the young man in earnest. In addition to his affection, Zeus offered Ganymedes immortality and a full-time job: cup-bearer to the gods. Even though Ganymedes was loved by all of Olympus’ divine denizens, both Hera (Zeus’ perpetually jilted wife) and Tros were ill-pleased with the arrangement. In order to assuage Ganymedes’ father, Zeus gifted him with two immortal horses, whose speed was so boundless that they could gallop over water. Ever since his stint at Olympus, Ganymedes has been a symbol for male beauty and homosexual love in the visual arts and poetry.
