“Add a touch of class with the Glitter and Glamour of the Brothers Grimm.” Robert Anthony and Thom Rijpstra, better known as the Gebroeders Grimm, are familiar faces in the capital and at Amsterdam Pride. They regularly host events, dressed in their unique costumes. “Wherever we appear, we like to be welcome guests. It may seem obvious to be yourself, but that isn’t always the case — sometimes people shout after us and once in a while we’ve even been spat at.”
Interview
“TOLERANCE UNDER PRESSURE”
The Gebroeders Grimm have become an unmistakable part of Amsterdam’s streetscape. Since the mid-nineties the two sworn friends Thom Rijpstra and Robert Anthony form the eye-catching duo Gebroeders Grimm. They’ve become well known not only in the capital but far beyond. Coincidence or not: they have just turned 21, the same age as the Gay Pride, which started in 1996. It’s no surprise they are one of the key faces of Pride Amsterdam this year. I had a disarming conversation with these distinctive ambassadors.
In their festive outfits they brighten many a pink event across the city. A special detail is that Robert makes the costumes himself. They are true works of art, sometimes made with as many as 70,000 sequins and the same number of beads. “The whole process from design to assembly costs me blood, sweat and tears.” The result is impressive. They were proud to be personally asked by Pride Amsterdam director Lucien Spee to become ambassadors. They didn’t hesitate and immediately said yes.
Thom: “It’s a great honour to be able to do this.” With a mischievous smile they lift a corner of the veil when asked how they will take on the ambassadorship. “Actually it’s a continuation of our performances as the Gebroeders Grimm. During the ten days of Pride we’ll be very visible. We’ll seek publicity and, above all, work together with various Amsterdam LHTBI organisations.” The brothers will be present at virtually all receptions and parties.
A focus for them will be pink older people. As ambassadors they will shine a spotlight on this growing group. “We’re busy preparing a Pink Lunch and a high tea at the senior centre ‘De Flesseman’ in the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood,” Robert says enthusiastically.
This year Adele Bloemendaal will unfortunately be absent. Earlier this year the colourful diva passed away after a long illness. “Pink older people in residential and care centres deserve a pleasant and dignified place to live.” They have also devoted themselves for years, heart and soul, to other good causes. Previously their poster campaign for a development cooperation organisation drew attention.
They are especially taken with the current campaign slogan ‘This is my pride’. Our pink hearts beat faster, Thom smiles. “Those words really come from our hearts. We embrace the theme completely. It suits us literally and figuratively.” The theme is inspired by the world-famous classic by singer Shirley Bassey, ‘This is My Life’. Robert: “For as long as I can remember I’ve been a proud gay man who never hid his sexuality.” His partner Thom adds softly: “That’s true for me as well. Openness is always my priority. Whenever and wherever possible I support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex people.”
Being yourself seems obvious these days, but the Gebroeders Grimm add a caveat. “It’s actually quite difficult to be yourself,” they emphasize. “In the Netherlands violence, discrimination and social exclusion are still lurking. Tolerance and acceptance are under pressure. The rising violence against gay people affects us deeply. In the past six months alone Amsterdam has seen numerous anti-gay incidents, with the tragic low point the murder of a gay man in Oosterpark. We were speechless. And we mustn’t forget the rest of the world. Coming out can be literally life-threatening there. Did you know homosexuality is criminalised in 78 countries? In five countries it can even carry the death penalty.”
The abbreviation LHTBI may be a mouthful but it encompasses the whole community. “We will work to include bi, trans and intersex people as well. We warmly welcome COC’s initiatives to make gender diversity a topic in primary and secondary schools,” they say. It fits perfectly with the House of Representatives’ wish to require schools to teach lessons on this topic, they add. They are not only entertainers by nature but also committed activists, it turns out.
“Let’s all promote the theme together and fight so we can be who we are. That’s what this effort is about.” In their glittering outfits they will no doubt carry that message loudly. The Amsterdam gay icons are unstoppable.
Photo Rick: Wezenaar
Interview: Paul Hofman
Pride Ambassadors since 2017
