Photography: Prisma Compositional
Video: Paradox Productions
Interview: Paul Hofman
For newly turned sixteen-year-old Justin Hermsen, it was a huge surprise to be nominated as youth ambassador. Justin was speechless when he heard that that Sunday afternoon in February at A’DAM TOWER he had been unanimously chosen as the winner by the jury. “You’re not the only gay in town!”
After the celebration, surrounded by a joyful crowd and with a beautiful view of the city, we spoke with an inspired Justin about his youth, ambitions and dreams—and of course his ambassadorship. His first reaction to being chosen? “I had a big wow feeling; for me this is the icing on the cake to be able to do this.” Together with ambassador Jeffrey Wammes he forms Pride’s 2J’s.
BIBLE-BELT
As the youngest son he grew up in Rhenen near Utrecht, a town on the edge of the Bible Belt. The deeply religious community believes that men and women belong together. Homosexuality is heavily tabooed. He himself attended a public school where homosexuality did not seem to be a taboo topic. Still, he adds a caveat: “It’s easy to say, but it’s hard to be different from others. Being gay in the Bible Belt area is quite difficult.” During his ambassadorship he will repeatedly stress that people outside the Randstad belong too. “This isn’t an exclusively Amsterdam party.”
TWELVE YEARS OLD
“At twelve I discovered I found boys more attractive than girls. I saw a very handsome boy and immediately thought: wow! At the same time I thought that couldn’t be possible. It would pass.” But the feeling stayed. Although his parents are open-minded, he decided to keep his ‘secret’ to himself. He did share it with a niece he completely trusted. By fourteen he was sure. “The feeling when you come out is indescribable. Finally I could express my feelings. I’m just gay. Period.” To the moment of his coming out, he says he mainly felt very lonely. “I didn’t feel heard and was often alone.” Later that prompted him to become active in the Gender and Sexuality Alliance at his school.
DOORTASTEND
Although busy with schoolwork, he quickly managed to expand his network. His enthusiasm and decisiveness were key factors. “I’m proud of who I am. I have wonderful people around me. My family and friends support me a lot.” When he told his mother he was gay, she said: “Then we can look at boys together.”
STRIJDVAARDIG
Around him he sees ignorance and sometimes even hate. “Together with a few other students I organised Purple Friday at my school last year.” But it didn’t go smoothly at first, he says. “I was presenting a show in the assembly hall when someone stood up and tried to throw a piece of cucumber at me. I reacted impulsively and humiliated him. That incident is burned into my memory. It sparked a debate about homosexuality. I’m quick-witted and always have something to say. Events like that make me more combative.” He regularly receives hateful comments on social media. Doesn’t that shock him? Justin, who is a real talker, falls silent for a moment. “Personally it doesn’t affect me much, it doesn’t touch me.” But it only strengthens his conviction that Pride is still sorely needed. “And look at that Nashville Statement earlier this year, full of homophobia. You’re tolerated, but accepted? Not at all.”
A THOUSAND PERCENT
He identifies strongly with this year’s Pride theme ‘Remember the past, create the future’“I can really relate to it. I will never forget the Stonewall protesters of 1969. They fought hard for our rights. Their generation stood for the ideals of freedom and respect. We as young people are now taking up the baton. I believe there is still a world to win. I fight for one goal: everyone matters, whatever your background or sexuality. I’m a thousand percent committed to that. I will never give up that fight.” His motto? “Be yourself above all, that’s when you’re most beautiful—but don’t always take yourself too seriously.”
MEETELLEN
As youth ambassador he especially wants to get across that young gay people matter and shouldn’t be pushed into a corner. Certainly not at strongly Christian schools, he adds. “Know that you matter, that you are not alone. I also want to give a voice to people who aren’t being heard.” He continues: “Judge me by my actions, not by how I look or who I fall for.”
ROLMODEL
Does he play a role model? “This ambassadorship is the icing on the cake for me. If I can inspire even one person, I’ve achieved my goal.” When people ask him whether Pride is still necessary, he always has a sharp reply. “A straight person is socially accepted and is not beaten, spat on or insulted because of their orientation. An LGBT person is.” The ambassadorship suits him to a tee.
STRIP
At the last minute he expresses his disbelief at the debate that erupted over the lesbian couple in the Dutch Donald Duck comic. “I find that ridiculous. Homosexuality is part of reality; it should be normal.” His eyes light up. He keeps stressing that education is most important. “You can’t start early enough with that.”
Pride has gained a spirited ambassador with a curly mop of determination. He smiles shyly and repeats: “Always remember you’re not the only ‘gay in town’.” His schedule is already filling up at lightning speed. “My schoolwork is suffering a bit. It’s still uncertain whether I’ll pass into the fifth year. But whatever happens: I’m looking forward to Pride and enjoying the preparations to the fullest.” As far as he’s concerned, Pride Amsterdam can’t start soon enough.
‘YOU’RE MOST BEAUTIFUL WHEN YOU’RE YOURSELF’
‘WE OWE OUR FREEDOM TO THE PREVIOUS GENERATION; NOW WE TAKE THE BATON’
“VOLUNTEERING IS NOT OPTIONAL”
Pride ambassador since 2019
