PRIDE STORIES: ROTTERDAM
PROUD THEN. PROUD NOW. PROUD ALWAYS
MONIKA
SHE/THEY
SALES ASSISTANT
Calling our store staff to centre stage. We’re putting the spotlight on performance artist Monika (she/they) who identifies as a queer, trans, non-binary, shapeshifting femme. When she's not serving at our Rotterdam store, she's serving across the Ballroom scene. We chatted about what Pride means to them, what advice she'd give to their younger self and facing adversity.
Q: WHAT DOES PRIDE MEAN TO YOU?
A: Pride is not just a party or an event that ends after a month, and it's not provided by big brands. It’s a protest, it is celebrating and it is healing. A moment to appreciate who fought for the rights we have today, who are mostly trans people of colour.
Q: HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY HAS SHAPED WHO YOU ARE AS A PERSON?
A: For me, a big part of identifying as Queer stands for being a part of a community. The people around me made me who I am today.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
A: Don't let anyone else define who you are but you. Even if that's something vague, abstract or yet to be discovered.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO'S AFRAID TO COME OUT?
A: Coming out doesn't change who you are. And to find your own moment to open up about it. Try to find people with similar experiences to find community and support.
"PRIDE IS NOT JUST A PARTY. IT'S A PROTEST. IT'S CELEBRATING. AND IT IS HEALING"
"PRIDE IS NOT JUST A PARTY. IT'S A PROTEST. IT'S CELEBRATING. AND IT IS HEALING"
Q: WHEN DO YOU FEEL YOUR MOST CONFIDENT?
A: When I'm walking a ball or expressing myself through my art, fashion or movement.
Q: DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE YOU’VE FACED ADVERSITY? HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?
A: Regularly. But I have great people around me who are supportive, so I talk about it with them.
Q: HOW DOES WEARING DM’S MAKE YOU FEEL?
A: Strong, resilient and expressive.
Q: WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING WITH YOUR TEAM?
A: My colleagues are my friends. We have a lot of shared interests, hobbies and similar world views.
Q: IF YOU COULD HAVE PEOPLE REMEMBER ONE THING ABOUT YOU, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: That I always fight for the causes that are important to me.
Q: CAN YOU SHARE AND RECOMMEND ANY RESOURCES, COMMUNITY HANGOUTS AND LGBTQ+ CENTERS?
A: In the Netherlands we have 'The Hang-out' in multiple cities and other community hangouts for young people. Also, places like the Ballroom scene are very open and accessible. Check if there are events, these can help you find your community.
OUR PART
As part of our commitment support the community we're donating to LGBTQIA+ charities across the globe, including AKT (Albert Kennedy Trust) — an LGBTQIA+ homelessness charity, Le Refuge Foundation — a youth LGBTQIA+ charity, Jugend Gegen Aids — a charity that tackles the stigma of sexual education and Refuge LGBT — a charity that provides shelter and support to victims of homophobia.
OUR PART
As part of our commitment support the community we're donating to LGBTQIA+ charities across the globe, including AKT (Albert Kennedy Trust) — an LGBTQIA+ homelessness charity, Le Refuge Foundation — a youth LGBTQIA+ charity, Jugend Gegen Aids — a charity that tackles the stigma of sexual education and Refuge LGBT — a charity that provides shelter and support to victims of homophobia.