“Add a touch of class with the Glitter and Glamour of the Brothers Grimm.” Robert Anthony and Thom Rijpstra, known as the Gebroeders Grimm, are familiar faces in the capital and at Amsterdam Pride. They regularly host events, dressed in unique costumes. “Wherever we appear, we like to be welcome guests. It seems so natural to be yourself. Yet that isn’t always the case; sometimes we’re shouted at and, on rare occasions, spat on.”
Interview
“TOLERANCE UNDER PRESSURE”
The Gebroeders Grimm have become an unmistakable part of Amsterdam’s streetscape. Since the mid-1990s the two sworn friends Thom Rijpstra and Robert Anthony have been the eye-catching duo Gebroeders Grimm. They have become a well-known presence not only in the capital but far beyond. Coincidence or not: they have just turned 21 and have existed as long 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 attire they brighten many pink events across the city. A special detail is that Robert makes the costumes himself. They are true works of art, sometimes made from 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 for a moment and said yes straight away.
Thom: “It’s a huge honour to be able to do this.” Smiling mysteriously, they lift a small veil when we ask how Robert and Thom will fill the ambassadorship. “Actually it’s a continuation of our performances as the Gebroeders Grimm. We’re going to be very visible during the ten days of Pride. We’ll seek publicity and especially collaborate with various Amsterdam LHTBI organisations.” The brothers will be present at almost every reception and party.
A focus will be on older pink communities. As ambassadors they will put this growing group firmly in the spotlight. “We are currently 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 sadly be absent. Earlier this year the colourful diva passed away after a long illness. “Older LGBTQ+ people in residential and care homes deserve a pleasant and dignified stay,” they say. They have also long and passionately supported other good causes. Previously their poster campaign for an international development cooperation organisation attracted attention.
They are particularly taken with the current campaign slogan ‘This is my pride’. Their pink hearts beat faster, Thom smiles. “The words come from the heart. Our pink hearts beat faster. We fully embrace the theme. It literally and figuratively speaks to us.” The subject is inspired by the world-famous classic by singer Shirley Bassey ‘This is my life’. Robert: “For as long as I live I’ve been a proud gay man who never hid his orientation.” His partner Thom adds quietly: “That goes for me too. Openness is always foremost for me. Whenever and wherever possible I support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex people.”
Being yourself seems obvious these days. The Gebroeders Grimm add a caveat. “It is actually quite difficult to be yourself,” they emphasise. Then: “In the Netherlands, violence, discrimination and social exclusion still lurk. Tolerance and acceptance are under pressure. The rising violence against gay people affects us deeply. In the past six months alone Amsterdam saw numerous anti-gay incidents, with the tragic low point the murder of a gay man in Oosterpark. We were speechless. And let’s not forget other countries: coming out there can literally be life-threatening. Did you know homosexuality is criminalised in 78 countries? In five countries it is even punishable by death.”
The abbreviation LHTBI is a mouthful but it does include the whole community. “We aim to involve bi, trans and intersex people as well. We wholeheartedly welcome COC’s initiatives to make gender diversity discussable in primary and secondary education,” they add. It fits perfectly with the House of Representatives’ wish to require schools to teach lessons on this topic. They are not only born entertainers but also activists through and through.
“Let us all carry the theme and fight together to be who we are. Because that is what this effort is about.” In their sparkling outfits they will no doubt convey that message well. The Amsterdam gay icons are unstoppable.
Photo Rick: Wezenaar
Interview: Paul Hofman
Pride Ambassadors since 2017
