Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Remon van den Kommer
Video: Paradox Productions
‘It’s recognition of my work as a professional for the transgender community.’ BeyonG Veldkamp (36) is the perfect ambassador for 2022: an activist through and through and a natural networker. In 2017 she won the Jos Brink Innovation Prize together with an Amsterdam police spokesperson. Not long after, she and several other standouts were guests of King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima. On 7 December 2021 COC Nederland honoured a new generation of LGBTI activists. BeyonG was one of them and received a beautiful ‘Stars of the Future’ award for her tireless dedication to our community. ‘But this ambassadorship is one of the most wonderful things so far. It tops it all. Everything comes together in this.’
Somewhere in the middle of Amsterdam’s city centre is the trans house. BeyonG is there every first and third Wednesday of the month running a drop-in clinic for LGBTI people of colour. It’s part of Buurtteam Amsterdam Centrum, a social services organisation. ‘I first came here years ago as a client for help, and now I work here as a peer support worker.’
Challenge
She talks in rapid-fire about her gender, life, work, love and the Pride 2022 themeMy Gender, My Pride. She knows the transgender community like no one else. When we interview her it turns out she has just started a new job. From spring she isSocial Media Event Managerof Pride Amsterdam. BeyonG is hugely enthusiastic; ‘A wonderful challenge made for me.’ Much like the ambassadorship, in fact.
Her life has not run smoothly. ‘I was born 36 years ago as a boy in Paramaribo. That’s where I grew up. At fifteen I moved to the Netherlands with my mother and younger brother. Not long after, I started having problems with myself.’ She noticed she was ‘different’. Just turned eighteen, she came out as a teenager. ‘I was attracted to boys.’
Intense
Six years later she experiences another coming-out: this time as transgender. A traumatic period of pain and sorrow follows. She faced a lot of misunderstanding from those around her. ‘Conversations with psychiatrists and several hormone treatments followed in quick succession. And many suicidal thoughts.’ But ultimately it led to transition. ‘The result? I finally became myself, just BeyonG.’ Yet it left deep scars. After that difficult transition process she faced domestic violence, manipulation, discrimination and racism. ‘My own father did not accept me, but after a lot of time and regret he apologised. No, it didn’t leave me untouched.’ Like many other trans people, she soon became active in the trans community. Her commitment, involvement, passion and warmth were noticed. She became vice‑chair of Trans United, an organisation fighting for the rights of trans people.
When she had to do an internship during her applied university studies, she chose to do it at the national COC. She becameProject Managerof Respect2Love. That’s a group that advocates for LGBTI people from different cultural backgrounds. In 2013 she was one of the founders of Trans United Europe and in 2016 BeyonG became vice‑chair of Trans United Europe. It marked the start of a meaningful journey. ‘Also a journey to my gender and sexuality.’
Happiness
‘I have never once regretted my transition.’ Reflecting: ‘I came from far away. But I always believed in myself. If you do that, you’ll make it.’ BeyonG compares it to being in a tunnel where you can’t see the light. ‘It was a difficult process but I’m so happy I did it. It was worth it. I am now completely happy.’
Freedom and safety
The insecurity faced by LGBTI people, and trans people in particular, worries her. ‘A lot has been done for acceptance but in my view there is room for improvement. Think of visibility and legislation.’ BeyonG: ‘There is still much ignorance about trans people. As an ambassador I can play an important role in increasing visibility.’ According to her, much has been achieved but education in schools about trans people and gender diversity could be much better. ‘I experience that there is still a lot of ignorance. As ambassador I want to fight that. Did you know I was recently rejected for a position? Purely because I’m transgender.’ She suppresses her anger.
BeyonG is eagerly looking forward to Pride 2022. Because of the manylockdownsmany activities could not take place. But now, with almost everything possible again, BeyonG will absolutely let loose during Pride. ‘I’m on fire,’ she says convincingly.
Trans woman of colour
‘I’m really excited. You can count on me enjoying it to the fullest. I want to share that freedom, safety and being yourself are the most important things in life. That’s what it’s about. As a trans woman of colour I hope to be an inspiration. Although you have to work four times as hard as a transgender person, the effort is worth it.’ My motto? ‘Nothing is black and white. And being trans: that never ends. I want to share my story with everyone. Here I am: this is who I am. A trans woman who is ashamed of nothing.’
Pride ambassador since 2022
