Dr. Fritz Klein, founder of The American Institute of Bisexuality (AIB) was recently honored posthumously in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands National Vereniging Landelijk Netwerk Biseksualiteit (LNBi) called "The Dutch Bi Network" in the United States, honors an individual with "The Bi-Award," every year. It is traditionally awarded to a person who has greatly contributed to the emancipation of Dutch bisexuals. It is usually given to a Dutch citizen, but an exception was made this year in order to honor the work that Dr. Klein has done.

The Dutch National Bisexual Network is one of the sixth largest rural GLBT organizations in the Netherlands. They support and advocate for the interests of bisexuals in the Netherlands by means of international cooperation. They are a volunteer-based organization that publishes the quarterly magazine in Dutch called Bi-Nieuws, organizes parties, and has an Internet site with a free contact advertisement site and links to regional activities of and groups for bisexuals. They also keep a Dutch bi-mailing list and maintain a bi support phone line.

Luc Houtkamp, Chairman of the LNBi (National Bisexuality Network) presented the award, a small metal sculpture in the form of the Moebius ring, The Dutch Bisexual symbol. The award was accepted on behalf of Fritz Klein's partner Tom Reise, by Ronald C. Fox Ph. D, a longtime friend and colleague. The award ceremony took place at the autumn fest in the Pink Villa (Villa Lila) on November 4th, at the GoBi Bi-party in Nijmegen. The GoBi herfstfeest in Nijmegen is the largest bisexual gathering in the Netherlands.

"It is for all he did for bisexuals all over the world, as well as for those in the Netherlands, "says Houtkamp.

Dr. Klein was among the founders and organizers of the First International Conference on Bisexuality which was held in Amsterdam in the Netherlands in October 1991.The next year, the Second International Bisexual Conference took place in London, bringing together bisexuals from all over Europe, Australia, and the U.S. Klein was one the participants during the European Bisexual Conference (EBC-1) in Rotterdam in 2001. Apart from the fact he had a special connection with the Netherlands, his efforts have had a huge impact on the emancipation of bisexual people in the Netherlands.

Leo Goetstouwers, on behalf of the LNBi, writes, "He was loved... The last time that he in the Netherlands was summer 2005. Like always he did a large effort to speak to people from the bibeweging, Fritz leaves behind a gap which is not easy to fill up. I miss him."

Association LNBi - PO Box 75087 - 1070 AB Amsterdam