Photography: Noah Valentyn
Styling & MUAH: Sjoerd Willemsen
Interview: Paul Hofman
For Amsterdam at heart Jackson Adney (41), being an ambassador feels natural. He previously served as the face of Trans United. This year Jackson is one of the representatives of Pride Amsterdam. He becomes visibly moved as he says: “With my story as a trans man I hope to reach others. Even if it’s just one person.”
Jackson was assigned female at birth but as he grew up felt more like a boy. “When I was 10 I had a very strong feeling that something was wrong. I was a lesbian tomboy.”
After years of burying that feeling, the moment of realisation only comes at thirty-five. Jackson then decides to definitively change his gender.
A long and intense process followed. It wasn’t always easy, he says. “Life goes on while you’re in the process. The hardest part for me was the waiting. I wanted it to go faster.” Jackson is happier than ever after taking the step. After transitioning he finally became the man he always wanted to be. Laughing: “The more masculine the better. I even have a beard now.”
He stresses that the fact he is a trans man shouldn’t be seen as extraordinary. “I am first and foremost a person who happens to be a trans man. It’s simply not relevant.” He also notes there are no rules for how you must be as a man or a woman.
The role of ambassador fits him like a glove. “I’m ready and will take it as it comes. With my story I want to touch and inspire people in their hearts. Because even if the process can be difficult, there is always light on the other side. And always stay true to yourself, because someone else won’t do that for you.”
In the background his favourite song ‘Invincible’ by Michael Jackson plays. He is his unconditional hero. “His music and voice bring me comfort. He went through a lot but also radiated a sense that if you commit you can solve anything. And of course the song title moves me deeply. With the ups and downs of life you become invincible.” Jackson is a prime example that a trans man or trans woman can be happy. “I can finally be myself without prejudice.”
“If I can do something, I will.”
Pride Ambassador since 2018
