"Add a touch of class with the Glitter and Glamour of the Brothers Grimm." Robert Anthony and Thom Rijpstra, or the Brothers Grimm, are familiar faces in the capital and of Amsterdam Pride. They regularly appear as hosts at events, dressed in unique costumes. "Wherever we appear, we are welcome guests. It seems so natural to be yourself. Yet it is not always so, sometimes we do get called after and/or spit on a few times."
Interview
"TOLERANCE UNDER PRESSURE"
It is impossible to imagine Amsterdam's street scene without the Brothers Grimm. Since the mid-1990s, the two sworn friends Thom Rijpstra and Robert Anthony have formed the eye-catching duo Gebroeders Grimm. Not only in the capital but also far beyond, they have become a household name. Coincidence or not: they have just turned 21 and have thus existed as long as the Gaypride that started in 1996. Not surprisingly, they are one of the main faces of Pride Amsterdam this year. I had a disarming conversation with these striking ambassadors.
In their festive attire, they brighten up many a pink event in the city. A special detail is that the costumes they wear are made by Robert himself. They are true works of art, sometimes consisting of up to 70,000 sequins and the same number of beads. "The whole process from design to assembling takes me blood, sweat and tears," he says. The result is impressive. That the couple of friends were personally asked by Pride Amsterdam director Lucien Spee to become ambassadors filled them with pride. They did not hesitate for a moment and immediately gave him their vows.
Thom: "It is a very great honour to be able to do this." Smiling secretly, they reveal a tip of the hat when we ask them how Robert and Thom will fill out the ambassadorship. "Actually, it is a continuation of our performances as Brothers Grimm. We are going to make quite a splash during the ten days of Pride. For instance, we will seek publicity and especially cooperate with various Amsterdam LHTBI organisations." At almost all receptions and parties, the brothers will act.
One focus of this is the pink elderly. As ambassadors, they will put this growing group in the spotlight properly. "For instance, we are now busy preparing a Roze Lunch and a high tea in elderly centre 'De Flesseman' in the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood," says Robert enthusiastically.
This year, that will unfortunately lack Adele Bloemendaal. Earlier this year, the colourful diva passed away after a long illness. "Pink elderly people in residential and care centres deserve a pleasant and dignified stay here," she said. They have also been putting their heart and soul into other charities for years. Earlier, their poster campaign for a development cooperation organisation stood out.
The current campaign slogan 'This is my pride' particularly appeals to them. It made their pink hearts beat faster, Thom smiles. "The words are right out of our hearts. It makes our pink hearts beat faster. We fully embrace the theme. It is literally and figuratively right up our alley." The theme is inspired by singer Shirley Bassey's world-famous classic 'This is my life'. Robert: "For as long as I have been alive, I have been a proud gay man who has never hidden his orientation." His partner Thom says softly: "The same applies to me. Openness is always paramount for me. Wherever and whenever possible, I support lesbian, gay, bi, transgender and intersex people."
It seems natural to be yourself these days. The Grimm Brothers do, however, place a caveat. "It is actually quite difficult to be able to be yourself," they stress. Dan: "In the Netherlands, violence, discrimination and social exclusion still lurk. Tolerance and acceptance are under pressure. The increasing violence against gays affects us deeply. The past six months have seen numerous anti-gay incidents in Amsterdam alone, with the murder of a gay man in the Oosterpark as the tragic low point. We were speechless. And let's not forget foreign countries either. Coming out of the closet there can literally be life-threatening. Did you know that homosexuality is punishable in 78 countries? In five countries it is even punishable by death."
The acronym LHTBI is a mouthful but does encompass the entire community. "We are going for the inclusion of bi, trans and intersex people as well. That the COC is taking initiatives to make gender diversity discussable in primary and secondary education is something we warmly welcome." , It dovetails perfectly with the Lower House's desire to oblige schools to teach lessons on the subject, they add. They are not only race entertainers but also activists at heart, it turns out.
"Let us all promote the theme and fight together to be able to be who we are. Because that is precisely what commitment is all about." In their glittering outfits, they will undoubtedly go about spreading that message well. Amsterdam's gay icons are unstoppable.
Photo Rick: Wezenaar
Interview: Paul Hofman
Pride Ambassadors since 2017
