COC Netherlands has been advocating the rights of lesbian women, gay men, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT’s) from 1946 on. COC strives for the decriminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity and for equal rights, emancipation and social acceptance of LGBT’s in the Netherlands and all over the world. COC is one of the few LGBT organizations that has a special consultative status with the United Nations.

COC Netherlands is involved in many aspects of LGBT rights, with a focus on youth & school, 50+, safety, culture & religion and international issues. COC Netherlands is a federation that consists of 21 local associations. 

The way COC works can be defined as inside-out: COC supports coalitions of LGBT’s and straight people and empower them to make a change from within their own community or organization. COC believes that this power from within ultimately has a stronger effect over a top down approach.